s4b3

*Sigh* I'm sure this does not come as a surprise to a few LOL...I've been able to access Youtube.

Proof: I've attached a screenshot of one video that's featured on today's front page. And if you're sooooooooooooooo desperate, I might as well tell you how.

Well, China has gone all the way this time, they've also blocked access to the popular Tor Project (proxy browser). For those of you who can download the latest version of it, that's all you need.

They've got a portable version that allows you to use your Firefox browser without having to install anything so yeah, that's the one I've decided to use.

You can access any site with the browser incl. hi5.com and anything else that's blocked.

WARNING:

If you want to use this method to access Youtube videos, you will keep getting the common 'enable javascript to watch video' message you get when you use the regular proxy sites.

The workaround is:

- Find the green "tor connected" message on the lower right-hand corner of your browser. Right-click and select "Preferences..."

- Under the 'Security Settings' tab, you will have to un-select "Disable plugiins during Tor usage (crucial)"

You should be able to watch Youtube after this.

If you're not going to use Youtube specifically, I suggest you keep that option selected (default).

Disadvantage:

- Due to the fact that you're on a proxy browser, if you're on an e.g. German IP sites like Google and Youtube will direct you to the local sites. But you will be able to click "English" on these sites so I guess it's not too bad.

- It's slower. That's a no-brainer. It helps a lot if you open only one window and one tab, and if that's what you do, it'll work faster than your average proxy site.

Alternative Download Mirror Here

Attached Images

access_youtube.png (88.5 KB, 52 views)

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s4b3

(Special Request)

1 - You need to download Tor which is a proxy browser. But China has blocked access to this site as well, so here is the alternative download location: Click Here to Download Tor

2 - I'm using the "Zero Install Bundle for Windows", if you don't want to install anything, then this bundle is for you.

3 - Download the bundle to your desktop or anywhere else on your C: Drive. Unzip it, and open the folder.

4 - You will find an onion icon amongst other files. At this point, if you have Firefox open, then you'll have to close it.

5 - After closing your Firefox browser, double-click on the onion icon to 'Start Tor Browser'. Firefox will automatically open, and you will be able to access blocked sites.

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Divvybaby

Thanks for elaborating for the layman Sabz. Okay so I have tried and tested the solution to access sites blocked by the "Great Firewall of China" and I'm happy to admit that I'm satisfied with the results.

Granted there are a few pros and cons, one can't expect too much. This is definitely not a perfect solution but it is a solution nevertheless!

Pros:
- Access sites (e.g. YouTube, Hi5 etc)
- No problems with Javascript etc.
- No ads
- other benefits of using an Anonymous proxy

Cons:
- Internet speed is compromised
- Pidgin application pops up all the time

As a whole, I would recommend it. You only have to close all browsers (namely Firefox!) and start the Tor Browser if you want to use Tor. If not then you can just double click on the browser icon you wish to use.

s4b3

Ok, so you're not a fan of Pidgin.

Here's how to solve that issue:

Data > Vidalia > vidalia.conf

Search for:

...and delete it.Save the file, and Pidgin won't automatically start.If you don't want the Firefox browser to automatically start either, delete the following line:

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Divvybaby

As usual Sabz leaves a little extra for the layman to figure out, so let me spoon feed those of you with 0 on the technical side...

1. Wherever it is you extracted your Tor folder in the first place, find it and open it.

2. There is a "Data" folder, open it.

3. In the "Data" folder, there's a "Vidalia" folder. Open it.

4. You will see a "vidalia.conf" file. Open it with Notepad.

5. Delete the "IMExecutable=PidginPortable\\PidginPortable.exe" line (about 3rd from the top).

*If you don't want the Firefox browser to launch when you double-click on Tor;

6. Delete the: "BrowserExecutable=FirefoxPortable\\FirefoxPortable.exe" line as well.

But Thanks again Sabz!

s4b3

Or here's a better idea for people who can't follow un-layman instructions: wait for China to unblock Youtube. That should make life a whole lot easier on all of us.

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michelshawn

But what are the reasons to blocking youtube contents in china?

Divvybaby

I guess YouTube has a few videos the Chinese Government either does not want the people to see or doesn't agree with?!

s4b3

So yeah, another person sends me a message telling me they don't get my tutorial...not even the simplified version of it.

Honestly, I don't get it...I even included pictures.

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michelshawn

then you tube should come in Chinese version. If youtube is not accessible in china easily, its mean they are loosing large amount of traffic.