[FIXED] How to Fix Client and Server-Side VPN Error 800?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a safe link between your computer and a server on the Internet. Sometimes, when trying to connect to a VPN, it might not work, and you’ll see a VPN error message. While there are many possible error messages, only a few are frequently encountered. A typical one is VPN error 800, which says, “Unable to establish the VPN connection.” This issue is common when using VPNs, but the tricky part is that this error doesn’t give you much information about why the connection isn’t working.

Also Read: “Do I Need a VPN?” Main Benefits of Using a VPN

So, let’s see what we are dealing with here and try to solve your VPN not connecting issue.

What Causes the VPN 800 Error Code?

The VPN error 800 pops up when you are attempting to form a new connection to a VPN server. This error signals that the communication from the VPN client (that’s you) to the server isn’t getting through.

There are several reasons why this might happen, such as:

• Your device has lost its connection to the local network.
• The name or address you entered for the VPN server is incorrect.
• A network firewall is preventing the VPN traffic from passing through.

Now, let’s see what you can do to resolve your VPN issues.

How to Fix the VPN Error 800 on Windows

Since the exact root of the problem can be elusive, delving into the specifics might not always be productive. Essentially, your messages just aren’t making it to the server. Wondering what to do next?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide packed with all you need to know for tackling VPN error 800 on Windows 10 efficiently.

Here’s a quick list of the strategies you can employ to fix the “VPN connection failed” issue.

Fix One: Check Your VPN Server Name, Address, and Password

Check if you can connect to your VPN now.

Also Read: Simple Guide: How to View and Clear DNS Cache on Windows 10/11?

Fix Six: Try Resetting Winsock

Resetting Winsock can sometimes help in fixing VPN error 800, especially if the issue is related to network socket problems on your Windows computer. Winsock, which stands for Windows Socket, is a programming interface and supporting program in Windows operating systems that defines how software should access network services, particularly TCP/IP.

When you reset Winsock, it returns the network settings to their default configuration, which can resolve issues caused by corrupt or modified network settings, including those related to VPN connections.The first thing to do is make sure your VPN name and address are correct – they should match the ones set by your VPN provider. The point is, you might have accidentally mistyped them. Besides, some VPN servers occasionally change their addresses – this is often true for DHCP networks.

So, do the following:

• Follow this path: Start -> Settings -> Network & Internet -> VPN.
• Find your VPN connection and check if your name, address, and password are correct.

Fix Two: Adjust Your VPN Settings

To get rid of the error code 800, you might need to tweak your VPN properties:

• Right-click on your VPN icon -> Select Properties -> Navigate to the security tab.
• Go to the Type of VPN panel -> Set it to Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

Fix Three: Check Your Firewall Settings

If you suspect that a firewall on your client device might be causing VPN error 800, try turning it off for a short while and then attempt to reconnect to the VPN. If the connection succeeds without the firewall, it’s a clear sign that your firewall settings need some tweaking. Specifically, you’ll need to adjust the settings to allow the port numbers used by the VPN on that network, which are typically TCP port 1723 and IP port 47 for VPNs on Microsoft Windows. If you’re managing a home network, these adjustments are usually made on your broadband router.

Fix Four: Troubleshoot Your Network

Persistent VPN error 800 on Windows 10 might mean your network is having issues. To troubleshoot it, take the following steps:

• Press the Windows logo key + S buttons -> Search will open -> Type “Network troubleshooter” (without quotes) into it.
• Select the “Identify and repair network problems” option and enter the troubleshooter -> You will be walked through the possible solutions.

Related: “A Network Change Was Detected”: Fixes for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Fix Five: Flush Your DNS Cache

VPN connection errors often stem from a corrupted DNS cache. So, try flushing it to fix your issue:

• Press the Windows logo key + X shortcut on your keyboard.
• Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list of options.
• Input the following commands separately:

netsh interface ip delete arpcache

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

• Exit Command Prompt and restart Windows.

Here’s how to reset Winsock on a Windows PC:

• Run Command Prompt as an administrator (see the previous fix for the step-by-step instructions).
• Type “netsh winsock reset” (without quotes) and press Enter.
• Wait for the reset to finish -> Finally, you will get the message, “Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog.”
• Close Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Fix Seven: Scan Your PC for Malware

The problem is, malicious software might have sneaked past your defenses and is wreaking havoc on your computer – VPN problems included.

The good news is, Windows 10 provides for such predicaments: you can use the built-in Windows Defender tool to do away with the hostile intruders which are messing up your system:

• Click on the Start menu, type “Windows Security,” and select it from the results.
• In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & threat protection.”

You will see options for different types of scans:

• Quick Scan: Checks the areas of your system most likely to contain malware. It’s fast but less thorough.
• Full Scan: Checks all files and programs on your PC. It’s more comprehensive but takes longer.
• Custom Scan: Allows you to choose specific files or folders to scan.
• Microsoft Defender Offline Scan: Useful for removing hard-to-find malicious software. Your PC will restart, and the scan is performed before Windows loads.
• Choose the type of scan you want to perform and click “Scan now.”
• After the scan is completed, Windows Defender will display the results. If any malware is found, it will provide options to take action, such as quarantine, remove, or clean the infected files.

Furthermore, we recommend you install a special anti-malware tool such as Auslogics Anti-Malware on your PC in order to get rid of all the suspicious entities and make sure even the latest threats are kept out.

Fix Eight: Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause various issues, including VPN errors. Make sure your network adapter’s drivers are up to date.

Here’s how to update your network drivers using Device Manager:

• Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”
• In Device Manager, scroll down to “Network adapters” and expand the section.
• Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will search and install any available updates.
• After the update, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

If you are looking to simplify the process of updating your drivers, consider using Auslogics Driver Updater. Once installed, it automatically detects your operating system and processor type, doing the groundwork for you. With just a click, it scans for any driver issues on your system. After the scan, you get to choose which driver problems you want to address. The tool then takes over, efficiently handling the updates.

In just a few clicks, you can effortlessly resolve all driver-related issues, saving you time and effort. What’s more, Auslogics Driver Updater gives you an extra layer of protection – should anything go wrong during the driver update process, you will have the option to easily roll back your drivers to their previous versions.

Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Expert Tip:

Using a VPN for security purposes is undoubtedly a wise strategy, and yet it is not enough to protect your privacy. To avoid data leaks as well as security breaches, you should keep your software up to date, stay vigilant against cybercrime, and practice safe browsing. 

Conclusion

Fixing the client and server-side VPN error 800 requires a methodical approach to troubleshooting. Whether it’s verifying VPN server details, ensuring stable internet connections, adjusting firewall settings, or updating network drivers, each step is crucial in resolving this common yet frustrating issue. Tools like Auslogics Driver Updater can simplify part of the process, especially in updating drivers. 

By following these guidelines, you can effectively tackle VPN error 800, ensuring a smooth and secure VPN experience on your network. Remember, persistence and careful attention to detail are key to successfully overcoming this challenge.