How to resolve error 0x800704cf in Windows

Stefan
How to resolve error 0x800704cf in Windows

More and more people are reporting the error message: 0x800704cf. The 0x800704cf error in Windows indicates that you do not have an internet connection. However, many users report that they have internet, but Windows still displays the error message 0x800704cf.

Although there is not an exact solution for this 0x800704cf error message. There are a number of things you can try to resolve this specific error message.

Some things you can try beforehand is to start by checking that you do not have an internet connection. If necessary, turn the Internet off and on again and check again.

If it still doesn't work and you are still experiencing the 0x800704cf error message in Windows, try disabling your antivirus or firewall software. Sometimes third-party software such as an internet security package including a firewall can temporarily block an internet connection.

How to fix 0x800704cf error in Windows

Temporarily disable antivirus software

If you use antivirus software then I recommend you start with it temporarily disable of the installed antivirus software.

Sometimes you can antivirus software block the network connection, possibly resulting in the internet becoming inaccessible.

So check by temporarily disabling the antivirus software to see if the 0x800704cf error message disappears.

VPN Disable connection

Do you use a VPN to connect to the Internet via a secure connection? Then temporarily disable the VPN to check whether the 0x800704cf error now disappears.

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Perform a clean restart in Windows

A clean restart of Windows can be used to identify whether conflicts exist between software. If a particular application is blocking access to the Internet, a clean restart of Windows may allow you to identify the software and disable or remove the program.

Delete DNS cache

If an IP address is converted to a domain name on your computer, cache (temporary files) created. It is recommended to see if clearing this DNS cache in Windows resolves the 0x800704cf error.

In the Windows search bar type: Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose Run as Administrator.

Open command prompt in windows

In the Command Prompt window type:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig flushdns

You have now cleared the temporary DNS cache in Windows. Check if the 0x800704cf error message has been resolved.

Reset Microsoft Store

Some users report that the 0x800704cf error appears in the Microsoft Store. To troubleshoot problems with the Microsoft Store, you can reset the Microsoft Store.

You can restore certain parts of Windows to default values, including the Microsoft Store. In the Windows search window in your taskbar type: Command Prompt.

Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose Run as Administrator from the menu.

wsreset windows store

In the Command Prompt window, type wsreset.exe. Wait for the reset to complete.

Re-register the Microsoft Store app

By re-registering the Microsoft Store app you can easily and quickly solve problems that occur in the Microsoft Store.

Right-click on the start button, choose Windows Powershell (Admin) from the list.

Open Windows powershell

Copy and paste the following text into the PowerShell window.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Restart the Microsoft Store to check if the Microsoft Store can now be started without the 0x800704cf error message.

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Reinstall Microsoft Store

By uninstalling and reinstalling the Microsoft Store you can try again to resolve the 0x800704cf problem.

Right-click the Start button again, select Windows PowerShell (admin) from the menu.

Open Windows powershell

In the Powershell window, copy and paste the following text.

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Click Enter to execute the instruction. Then copy the following text and paste it again into the Windows PowerShell window.

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Now check if the 0x800704cf error message has disappeared regarding Microsoft Store.

Set up alternate DNS server

To solve a problem with your internet connection, you can do a lot on your own computer. However, if the problem lies with the DNS server (in most cases with your internet provider), there is nothing you can do to change it at this time. A Set up DNS from another provider such as Google can then solve the “DNS server is not responding” problem.

In the Windows search bar type:

ncpa.cpl

Open NCPA.cpl in Windows 10

Open the NCPA.cpl result.

You will now see your active internet connections. If you are connected to a network or the Internet by cable with the right mouse button on Ethernet. If you connected via WiFi then choose WiFi or Wireless adapter. Choose properties from the menu.

Network connections

Click on “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the Properties button.

Important: Make a note of your current DNS server settings. For example, make a screenshot of the DNS settings so that you can restore them later!

Click on “Use the following DNS server addresses”. In the DNS preference enter: 8.8.8.8. and for the Alternative DNS server enter: 8.8.4.4.

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These are Google's public DNS servers. These Google DNS servers are generally faster than your current internet provider DNS servers.

Set up alternate DNS in Windows 10

Click OK and restart your computer.

Clear DNS and restore Winsock settings

If you have problems with an Internet or network connection, it may help to clear the DNS cache and restore the Winsock TCP/IP settings to default values.

In the Windows search bar type: cmd.exe. Right-click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Now type the following commands per line in Command Prompt. Press enter after each line to execute the command.

netsh int ip reset
{ENTER}

netsh winsock reset
{ENTER}

ipconfig /flushdns
{ENTER}

You will now see that each command has been executed in the Command Prompt. You must restart the computer. Make sure you bookmark this website to return for more troubleshooting tips.

winsock reset tcp ip settings in windows

Network adapter troubleshooter

To identify and solve an internet problem, you can use standard Windows troubleshooters. There is a troubleshooter specific to a network adapter.

In the Windows system tray, right-click on the network or Wi-Fi icon. Choose Troubleshoot from the menu.

open network adapter troubleshooter

The Network Adapter Troubleshooter will now start. You can choose which network adapter you want to check. I recommend choosing all adapters from the list. Follow the steps to identify and possibly resolve the network problem.

solve network adapter problem, no internet, but wifi

I hope one of these tips helped you resolve the 0x800704cf error in Windows.

Thank you for reading!


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6 comments
  1. I purchased Office this morning (annual subscription). Everything went well to install and everything seemed to work. When I now look at my office account, it says that I do not have a subscription. My Drive has the error message that I supposedly have no internet and in my settings for my accounts it says that I have to confirm my identity, when I click on it it says that there is a problem with the server (Windows security)

    1. Hello, I have searched for you. I couldn't quickly find a solution for error message 0x800704cf in combination with Microsoft Office. The 0x800704cf error message is too generic to provide a specific solution. If you paid for Office, please contact Microsoft Netherlands.
      Greetings, Stefan

  2. If you want to get from one computer to another computer with explorer or total commander or... You have to enter your username and password. Something went wrong there. How can I clear this and start with a clean slate?

    1. Hello, right click on the Start button. Click Run in the menu.

      Copy and paste:

      rundll32.exe keymgr.dll, KRShowKeyMgr

      Select the share and click delete. Good luck! Greetings, Stefan

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