.Net Proxy Web Reference

How to Add a Web Reference Through a Proxy/Firewall: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re working behind a corporate firewall or a restrictive proxy, you may run into issues when trying to add a web reference to your application. Many users encounter the error message stating that “Operation is not valid due to the current state of the object.” This can be frustrating, particularly if you’re unsure how to navigate the limitations imposed by your network environment.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the problem, explain its causes, and provide a clear, actionable solution.

Understanding the Problem

When you’re behind a firewall, your connection to the internet is controlled by the proxy server. This means that certain requests may be blocked or require special configuration:

  • Error Messages: You may receive error messages indicating that operations cannot be completed due to the state of your application. This often occurs when your application tries to access web services that the proxy is preventing it from reaching.
  • Lack of Access: If you do not have administrative access to the proxy settings, solving the issue may become even more challenging.

Solution Overview

The good news is that there are a couple of approaches to addressing this issue:

  1. Add the Web Reference URL to the Proxy’s Safe List
  2. Use a Workaround with the WSDL File

1. Adding the Web Reference URL to the Safe List

If you have control over the proxy settings, the first step is to ensure that the URL of the web service you want to access is whitelisted. Here’s how:

  • Contact your IT department or network administrator and ask them to add the web reference URL to the safe list of the proxy server.
  • Explain the purpose and necessity of this action, which may help in getting a swift resolution.

Keep in mind that this step might not be viable if you lack access to change the proxy’s configuration.

2. Using a Workaround with the WSDL File

If modifying the proxy settings isn’t possible, you can use a workaround to bypass this issue. Follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the WSDL URL:

    • Open your web browser and manually enter the URL of the WSDL (Web Services Description Language) file.

  2. Download the WSDL:

    • Save the displayed XML as a .wsdl file on your computer.

  3. Generate the Client:

    • Use the wsdl.exe tool to generate the necessary client code.
    • Execute the tool, pointing it to the local path of the saved WSDL file. You can find wsdl.exe online at this link.

This method enables you to bypass proxy restrictions while still accessing the web service you need.

Conclusion

Navigating network restrictions like firewalls and proxies can be a hassle, especially when trying to add a web reference in your application. By either whitelisting the web reference URL or using the WSDL workaround, you can effectively solve this problem.

Don’t let a proxy server hinder your work! Try these strategies to regain access to the services you need.

Remember, if you run into further issues, consulting with your IT team might provide additional insights or alternative solutions specific to your organization’s setup.