Test your connection

Users may test their connection inside the oDesk Team client for Windows.

Possible Errors

12030 (ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_ABORTED)
12031 (ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_RESET)
12017 (ERROR_INTERNET_OPERATION_CANCELLED)

This group of error codes usually mean that either the speed of internet connection is not sufficient, the connection is not stable, or there is some firewall software which prevents secure communication between your computer and the team.odesk.com server. Please correct these problems and try again.

This error usually means that you have a firewall blocking the connection. The firewall option is may be enabled by your anti-virus software program. By default, the anti-virus software gets loaded at startup time and you should be able to find an icon on your system tray. Right click on this icon and check for the firewalls settings. See the example below for disabling the firewall settings in Symantec Norton Antivirus.

1. Right click on the Norton Antivirus icon on your system tray
2. Click on Norton Internet Security
3. On the options menu click on "Status and Settings"
4. Now disable the “Personal Firewalls” option
   
5. Recheck your connection.

OTHER ERRORS

There is a possibility you will see other errors. If this is the case, please turn on logging and submit a help ticket so that the support team can look into this for you. Please attach the log to your ticket. Directions below.

How to turn on logging:

1. Run the oDesk Team client
2. Do right-button mouse click on Team's tray icon and select Preferences.
3. In the tree (on the left) please choose 'oDesk Preferences->Logging'.
4. Set 'Logging level' to 'Detailed' and click 'Start' button. You will see label 'Logging is ON'.
5. Exit all oDesk Applications. Run Team again.
6. Go back to 'oDesk Preferences->Logging', and pack logs via button via 'Pack logs..'
7. Send 'oDeskAppsLogs.zip' to support via the attachment button in the help ticket.
   
   

I can't connect, but I still want to work. What do I do?

First, make sure you've followed all the directions above. If you still cannot connect via the oDesk Team client, we cannot guarantee payment. However, you have two options if you want to work anyway.

1. Only work on fixed price jobs. Logging hours is unnecessary on fixed price jobs. Please be aware the buyer has total discretion over if, when, and how much to pay for all fixed price jobs.
2. Add time to your work diary as 'offline'. We discourage users from logging time on hourly assignments this way, because the buyer can remove all the offline time from your weekly time log no questions asked. The oDesk payment guarantee does not apply to offline time. That said, some buyers will allow you to log your time offline, at least temporarily when you are have connectivity problems, if you can demonstrate that you are reliable and productive. Always get approval from the buyer PRIOR to logging any offline time.