Setup / Running HttpTracer

HttpTracer acts as a local proxy server running on your client workstation. To make it work, you run it on your workstation and then set your browser to USE PROXY SERVER - pointing to HttpTracer. When you are done tracing, you will need to reset your browser to its original settings.

To run HttpTracer: execute (double click) HttpTracer.exe. This will start a trace session. However, you will not start tracing until you set your browser to use HttpTracer as its proxy.

  1. When HttpTracer starts, it shows that it is listening at Address: localhost and port 8010.
  2. You can change either of these settings, or you can leave them as they are and verify that you can ping localhost. Go to a command prompt and type: ping localhost
  3. You should get a REPLY message back from your ping command indicating that the ping was successfull. If you do not, then you will have to add a locahost entry (with address 127.0.0.1), or change HttpTracer listening address to your machine name. If you change your listening address or port, you will need to hit the Apply button.

Configure your browser to use HttpTracer as a local proxy. When you are done using HttpTracer, you should disable the proxy settings on your browser.

For Microsoft Internet Explorer:
  1. Start the browser and select: Tools / Internet Options / Connect and then click the Connection tab.
  2. If you are using a Dialup Connect, select the dialup setting you are using and click Settings...
  3. If you have a direct Lan Connection (DSL, Cable Modem or other network connection), select Lan Settings.
  4. If Use Proxy Server is already enabled, make note of the Address and Port. You will need these settings in order to set your browser back to the original settings when done.
  5. Enter localhost or 127.0.0.1 or your host machine name for Address and 8010 for Port.
  6. Click OK
  7. Note: if your Connection Settings are grayed out, then someone has disabled access to these browser settings in your registry. You should contact your LAN administrators and request access to these settings.
  8. You should disable the Auto Config option, or your browser will reset its configuration every time you run it. Note: some ISPs have added an IEAK setting in your registry which will auto-config without you knowing it. The setting on NT is under: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\User Agent\Post Platform]

In some circumstances, you will want to enter the original Proxy Address (from your IE or Netscape configuration) into HttpTracer Proxy Address and Port. This will tell HttpTracer to route through the existing Proxy. You must click APPLY after making these setting changes. Try running without these settings and see if it works. If not make the Proxy settings for HttpTracer.

For Netscape:
  1. Start the browser and select: Edit / Preferences expand the Advanced item in the tree and select Proxies.
  2. Select Manual Settings checkbox and then click the View button.
  3. Make note of the Address and Port for HTTP. You will need these settings in order to set your browser back to the original settings when done.
  4. Set the HTTP address to localhost and port to 8010. Note: you can also use 127.0.0.1 or your host machine name for the address.
  5. Click OK to save your changes.

After you are done using HttpTracer, you will need to set your Browser Proxy settings back to thier original settings (or your Browser will not function).

Now when you run your browser, all Http Commands and Responses will be captured by HttpTracer. The List Tab is the most usefull of the tabs. Remember to click Refresh to refresh the listing. Make sure that HttpTracer is running, or your browser will not be able to connect to the internet. Turn off Proxy settings when done tracing!!!