Q: Proxy-related problems connecting to the Internet - QuakeMap stays "offline".

A: The first place to check is QuakeMap Internet-->Offline menu (should be online; if you force it offline for any reason - it won't get the initial important configuration info from cgibinptr.html). Usually if you quit QuakeMap and run it again the "offline" mode clears - that's if there is any chance at all for the program to connect. I had it happening on some cable-connected machines first time after installation or update; the next time you run QuakeMap it works fine. Of course, if ZoneAlarm or other security software prevents it from connecting - you need to assign proper connection rights to QuakeMap there.

The connection problem may originate in your Internet Explorer settings (.NET transport inherits them) - open the browser (IE) and follow Tools-->InternetOptions-->Connections-->LanSettings and make sure that proxy-related boxes are unchecked (unless you need them to operate IE through your Internet provider, in which case see the next paragraph). screenshot here

Next, QuakeMap Map-->Options-->Proxy menu is a good place to check (make sure "Use HTTP proxy" box is unchecked). Try to set "suspend Keep-Alive" option (it slows down connections but helps to connect through firewalls and proxies). Try checking the "force Empty Proxy" box (clears proxy settings for QuakeMap no matter what the IE settings are).

As a last chance attempt try to set proxy same as IE proxy settings. Proxy here relates to old-style HTTP level proxy, which are really hard to find in real world now (now all routers/firewalls use NAT, a.k.a. IP masquerading, which is transparent to HTTP and does not require proxy setting in IE or any other software).

Please keep in mind that many security/firewall/parental-control programs consist of a Network stack component and a User interface piece. When you shut down such program, the Network component may remain active and block Internet access without any notice.