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If you’re facing VPN error 800, it obviously means you’re a regular VPN user and I don’t need to introduce to you what a VPN is. So getting straight to the point, what is the VPN error 800 and how do we fix it?

When this error occurs it means your VPN is unable to make a connection with the server. This may be caused by multiple reasons that I will mention below.

Now if you’re not a tech person, I’m pretty sure the image below must have frightened you and left you clueless as to why this error has occurred. You get the impression that only an expert can solve this technical jargon.

how to fix vpn error 800

DON’T SWEAT! I will guide you thoroughly with the complete process on how to fix this error. Also, this guide will help you use VPN service for whatever reason you are using.

What causes error 800?

It is indeed a little shocking that the real reason behind error 800 is not completely known but there are a few reasons that can possibly cause error 800 to be shown on your screen. Here’s a rundown of all the possible reasons as to why error 800 is being shown on your screen:

  1. Firewall settings
  2. A software that is intervening with your VPN
  3. Issues with the network
  4. Incorrectly entered user names or addresses
  5. Issues with your connectivity
  6. Virus or malware in your system
  7. Installation of the VPN software might be corrupted or incomplete

There might be other reasons as to why error 800 is occurs, but the ones that are mentioned above are the most common.


How to Fix?

As mentioned earlier, error 800 is not as scary as it seems on the screen and the methods to fix them are pretty much easy, so if you’re 8 or 80 years of age, it doesn’t matter really.

1. Firewall

First off begin with turning off your Firewall on your PC simply by press the windows key + S together. This will directly take you to the Firewall settings, turn the firewall off.


Once you get here click on the turn ON or OFF Windows Firewall option.

Next you will be taken to the screen below:

firewall 2

Simply from here turn Windows Firewall OFF and press OK.

If this does not resolve the error don’t worry, we have more options to try!


2. Recheck your VPN IP address, name and password again

There’s a possibility that you entered the wrong details and nothing else, so now you have to go back to VPN settings and fix this issue.

Press the Windows key + I, this will directly take you to the settings menu, once you’re there go to the network and internet section.



Now you will be presented with settings related to the internet and the network



Click on the VPN tab.



Click on your VPN service.



Click on the advanced option button under the PureVPN tab.



After clicking the edit tab, the below screen will appear for you to edit your VPN details.

edit vpn con


Check your user name, IP address and password here. If even this does not work try to change your server protocol to PPTP, otherwise move on to the next solution.


3. Flush your DNS cache

VPN errors are often caused by corrupted DNS cache, here’s how to flush your DNS cache:

  1. Click on the Windows key and X together on your keyboard
  2. A menu will appear, Select Command Prompt and Input the following commands separately:
  3. netsh interface ip delete arpcache
  4. ipconfig /flushdns
  5. ipconfig /renew
  6. Now close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.
  7. Check if the issue is resolved now.


4. Give resetting Winsock a try

If your TCP/IP Winsock settings are corrupted, it might also cause your VPN to malfunction.

Below I have demonstrated how to fix this.

  1. Run command prompt just like the way you did above
  2. In the command prompt type ‘netsh winsock reset’ and press the enter button.

The reset will take some time, once the reset is done you will get the message ‘Winsock reset completed successfully’

  1. Now restart your PC and try.

5. Give troubleshooting your network a try

Having VPN error could also mean that there’s just some minor error that needs to be fixed by trouble shooting

  • To trouble shoot press the Windows key + S
  • This will take you to the search option and type ‘Network troubleshooter’
  • Now go to ‘Identify and repair network problems’


Pressing the identify and repair network errors button will take you to the trouble shooting

trouble shooting


6. Run your Anti-Virus for Possible Malware

It could be so that your computer is infected with a virus or some sort of malicious software that is causing VPN error 800, running a scan can help greatly.

You may use a after-market anti-virus service or the built in Windows defender for this

  1. After pressing the start button go to Update & Security section.
  2. Find windows defender and run a scan.


7. Download your VPN software again

As mentioned above, a corrupted or incomplete installation of your VPN service can cause such issues, so if none of the options are working it is advisable to download the software again.

If the problem still persists maybe it’s time to get a new VPN service.


8. Check with your ISP

It could be the case that your ISP has blocked GRE protocol, you can contact your ISP and ask them to unblock it.

A GRE protocol is acronym for Generic routing encapsulation is used to establish a direct, point-to-point connection between network nodes.


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Wrapping up!

The Error 800 is a simple error that can definitely be resolved by following the above mentioned steps.

Sometimes, small changes in your settings might cause it while other times there could be problems from the VPN service side or the ISP.

Whatever the problem is we have hopefully provided you with enough solutions, feel free to comment if you’re still facing issues or have found a new fix.