Connection Troubles on Windows PC - Tips and advice

Can't connect to a VPN server? It's usually a problem with your local network, firewall, or anti-virus. It should also be noted that it will be difficult to connect if you try to use multiple VPNs or other proxies all at once. 

If you have problems with just one specific server, contact us by creating a ticket and let us know which one so we can get it back online. 

In the case that you can not connect to any of our VPN servers.  Please consider the following suggestions and advice:

• You must have an active internet connection in order to connect to a VPN server. A VPN is not an ISP, so don't disable your regular internet, HotBot uses it to create your secure virtual network tunnel.

• An anti-virus program can create firewalls and block certain VPN connections. Check the settings on your anti-virus app and make sure you allow HotBot VPN to be trusted in all aspects of launching and connecting.
  
  
• Turn off your anti-virus programs and disable all firewalls. Disable Windows Defender Firewall. Then uninstall and reinstall HotBot VPN. 
  
  
• To test blocked ports on your network, open the Start Menu and search for CMD. Right-click on CMD and Run as Administrator. With the Command Prompt open, type exactly this: 
  
  netstat -ano | findstr -i SYN_SENT 
  
                    ...if you get no results, this means your PC isn't blocking the connection. If some results appear, then there is an app or setting on your PC that is blocking certain connections. You need to find it and disable the blocking. 
  
  
  
• It is possible that your router itself is blocking VPN connections or ports. Double-check your router settings if possible. 
  
  
• Perform a "Network Reset". open the Start Menu and search for Network Reset.  Run the app and perform the reset. 
  
  
  
• If you are on a laptop, then try using the app on a different network. If it's successful then the issue is on your network.