WATS Client - Proxy settings

The WATS Client supports web proxy and can be configured in the WATS Client Configuration.

Default

The WATS Client can be configured to Default proxy settings, which uses the Windows System proxy settings.

Custom

The WATS Client can be configured with custom, independent proxy address and credentials.

Common issues

When authenticated proxy is used, the WATS Client Service could be denied outside access. The WATS Client is normally running under a special local account called Network Service. This account is authenticating itself as the machine account in the domain, and this account is often denied access through the proxy server.

There are three different possible solutions to this issue.

1. Allow computer account access to outside network through the proxy server.

This is the easiest solution to the problem if IT security policy allows this. IT operations must be involved to set up and enable this solution.

2. Enable Custom proxy authentication in the WATS Client

To enable outside network access for the WATS Client Service it is possible to enter a username/password in the Proxy Settings in WATS Client Configuration.

Select Custom and fill in proxy address and username/password.

Another solution could be to run the WATS Client Service under a specific domain account that has outside access through the firewall. 

3. Run WATS Client service as a domain (service) account

The WATS Client service can be configured to run as a domain user that can access outside network through the proxy server.

Open Services management console (Win + R, services.msc), locate WATS Client Service, right-click, and select Properties.

On the "Log On" tab, select "This account", enter the account name and password, click OK, and restart the service.

This method is sensitive to password changes on the account. Using a "service account" with password expiration disabled is recommended. Also, after upgrading (manually or automatic) the WATS Client will reset the service to Network Service account. This procedure must be repeated after client upgrade.