How to fix VPN Error 800 - Can't connect to network

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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become a popular tool for secure and private internet browsing. However, like any technology, VPNs can encounter errors that hinder their functionality. One of the most common VPN errors is Error 800, which can occur on both the client and server-side of the connection.

This error can be frustrating and prevent users from accessing the internet securely. In this guide, we will explore some effective solutions for fixing Client and Server-Side VPN Error 800 and getting your VPN connection back up and running smoothly.

VPN Error 800 emerges when establishing a new VPN server connection and denotes that the messages dispatched by the VPN client are unable to reach the server. The failure of the connection could stem from various causes such as the client device’s disconnection from the local network, the user inputting an incorrect name or address for the VPN server, or a network firewall hindering the VPN traffic flow.

Why do you need a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that helps create a secure, private connection between a user’s device and the internet. Here are some reasons why people use VPNs:

Online privacy: A VPN can help protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, which makes it more difficult for others to intercept and read your communications.
Security: VPNs provide an additional layer of security when browsing the internet, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and pose a risk of data theft.
Access blocked content: Some websites and services may be restricted in certain regions or countries. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access content that may not be available in your location.
Remote access: If you work remotely, a VPN can enable you to access your company’s network and resources securely, even when you’re not physically in the office.
Anonymity: VPNs can also help protect your identity by masking your IP address and location, making it more difficult for others to track your online activities.

Overall, a VPN provides users with added security, privacy, and flexibility when accessing the internet.

What are the causes of VPN error 800?

VPN Error 800 typically occurs when a user tries to establish a new connection to a VPN server, and the messages being sent by the VPN client fail to reach the server. Some of the common causes of VPN Error 800 are:

Connection failure between the client and server due to network issues.
The user entering an invalid name or address for the VPN server.
Firewall blocking the VPN traffic.
Incompatible firmware or outdated hardware.
Server overload with too many clients connected at the same time.
VPN server offline or not functioning correctly.
DHCP server assigning an IP address that conflicts with the VPN server.

Methods to fix VPN Error 800

To resolve VPN Error 800, follow the steps listed below:

Check the network connection between the client and server to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Ping the server to check connectivity, but note that some VPN servers may ignore ICMP requests. If sporadic network outages occur, wait for a minute or two before retrying the connection. Alternatively, try connecting from a different client device to determine whether the issue is client-specific or widespread.
Use the correct VPN server name and address. Ensure that the server name entered on the client side matches the one configured by the VPN administrator. While users can choose to specify an IP address, mistyping an address is more common. DHCP networks may also periodically change the VPN server’s IP address.
Check that your firewall isn’t blocking VPN connections. Disable the client firewall temporarily and retry the connection to identify any firewall-related failure causing VPN Error 800. Update the firewall configuration with additional settings specific to the port numbers the VPN is using, usually TCP port 1723 and IP port 47 for Microsoft Windows VPNs. Broadband router configuration changes can typically handle these modifications.
If you haven’t previously connected to the local router, it may require a firmware update to be VPN-compatible. However, if the router has previously worked with the VPN, this isn’t the problem.
The server may have too many clients already connected, but you can’t check this from the client side of the connection. While this is an uncommon issue due to varying server connection limits, it is still a possibility. If the server is offline, the delay in connecting should be brief.

FAQs

What is VPN Error 800?

VPN Error 800 occurs when a user is trying to establish a new connection to a VPN server, and the messages being sent by the VPN client fail to reach the server.

What are the common causes of VPN Error 800?

Some of the common causes of VPN Error 800 are network connection failure, an invalid name or address for the VPN server, firewall blocking the VPN traffic, incompatible firmware or outdated hardware, server overload, VPN server offline, and DHCP server assigning an IP address that conflicts with the VPN server.

How can I fix VPN Error 800?

To fix VPN Error 800, you can try the following methods:
Confirm that the network connection between the client and server is functioning properly.
Use the correct VPN server name and address.
Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking VPN connections.
Check for incompatible firmware or outdated hardware.
Ensure that the server isn’t overloaded with too many clients already connected.
Check if the VPN server is offline or not functioning correctly.
Verify that the DHCP server isn’t assigning an IP address that conflicts with the VPN server.

Can I fix VPN Error 800 on my own, or do I need technical support?

In most cases, you can fix VPN Error 800 on your own by following the steps mentioned above. However, if you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to seek technical support from your IT department or VPN provider.

How can I prevent VPN Error 800 from happening again in the future?

To prevent VPN Error 800 from happening again, you should make sure that you’re using the correct VPN server name and address, ensure that your network connection is functioning properly, and regularly update your firmware and hardware. Additionally, it’s important to keep your firewall settings up-to-date and make sure that your VPN server isn’t overloaded with too many clients already connected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VPN Error 800 can be a frustrating issue that prevents you from connecting to your VPN server. However, with a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the error and get back to using your VPN. By ensuring that your network connection is functioning properly, using the correct VPN server name and address, checking your firewall settings, and keeping your firmware and hardware up-to-date, you can prevent VPN Error 800 from happening again in the future. If you’re still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to seek technical support from your IT department or VPN provider.