The Err_connection_reset error is a common error that can occur when trying to access websites or web services. This error indicates that the connection was reset by the remote host, meaning the other server abruptly closed the connection. There are several potential causes and solutions for this error which we will explore in detail below.
What Causes the Err_connection_reset Error?
There are a few common causes of the Err_connection_reset error:
- Connectivity issues: If you are experiencing problems with your internet connection, it can lead to connection resets. Issues like wireless interference, faulty network hardware, or ISP outages can trigger this error.
- Web server problems: Issues on the web server like overloads, crashes, or firewall configurations can also cause dropped connections.
- Software conflicts: Problems with network drivers, antivirus software, VPN clients, or other software can sometimes interfere with connectivity and result in connection resets.
- Incompatible protocols: Trying to connect to a TLS 1.0 server with a TLS 1.2 browser can cause protocol mismatches that lead to reset errors.
- Traffic shaping: Some ISPs use traffic shaping policies to limit bandwidth usage, which can cause intermittent reset errors.
The most common causes tend to be temporary network problems, web server issues, or software conflicts. To diagnose the problem, you need to gather more details about the error circumstances and test potential fixes.
How to Fix the Err_connection_reset Error
Here are the top techniques for resolving the Err_connection_reset error:
1. Check if the problem is temporary
Many instances of the connection reset error are caused by a temporary network issue or server problem. Before troubleshooting extensively, try these steps:
- Refresh the page or retry loading the website a few times.
- Use a tool like Downdetector to check if others are reporting issues with the same site.
- Try accessing other websites and services to see if it is an intermittent internet problem.
- Check if you can ping the website’s domain name via command prompt.
- Try again later to see if the issue was temporary.
If the error occurs consistently, you can rule out transient network or server issues. But if refreshing resolves the problem, it was likely just temporary downtime.
2. Troubleshoot your network connection
Connection problems are a common trigger for Err_connection_reset. Try these network troubleshooting steps:
- Reset your modem and router to refresh the connection.
- Connect a computer directly to your modem to test without the router.
- If on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or switching to a wired connection.
- On mobile devices, toggle Airplane mode on/off to obtain a new IP.
- Flush your DNS cache and renew IP address if issues persist.
- Contact your ISP if problems affect multiple sites or devices.
Solving any bandwidth, latency, DNS, or connection stability issues can prevent dropped connections.
3. Check for software conflicts
Software settings and incompatibilities often cause Err_connection_reset errors including:
- VPN client connectivity problems
- Antivirus or firewall blocks
- Browser privacy extensions
- Outdated network adapter drivers
- Proxy configuration issues
Experiment with disabling VPNs, firewalls, proxies, extensions, and updating drivers and browser software. Roll back recent changes if issues appeared after an update.
4. Test with alternate protocols/ports
Connection resets can stem from protocol or port mismatches:
- Try alternate protocols like HTTP vs HTTPS or SMTP vs SMTPS.
- Switch browser TLS versions like TLS 1.0 vs TLS 1.2.
- Try using alternate destination ports like port 80 vs port 443.
Changing protocols or ports provides a workaround for sites with strict settings that cause connectivity issues.
5. Clear cached site data and files
Cached browser data and corrupt local files can sometimes lead to connection issues:
- Clear cookies, caches, and site data for the problematic domain.
- Try incognito or private browsing mode to omit caches.
- Delete and redownload any local files associated with the site.
If corrupted cached content is interfering with connections, this can force fresh data to be loaded.
6. Use a proxy or mirror site
Proxies and mirrors provide an alternate path to the destination site:
- Configure your browser to access the site via a proxy server.
- Find and use a mirror site or archival copy if available.
While not fixing the root cause, this bypasses connection issues by using an intermediary server or secondary site.
7. Contact the web host
For persistent problems limited to a single site or service, contact the web host or service provider:
- Check their help site for reported outages.
- Email or call to inquire about any server connectivity issues.
The host may be able to resolve restrictions or problems causing reset errors for their domain.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
For advanced users, you can dig deeper to troubleshoot Err_connection_reset errors:
- Inspect network requests in browser developer tools to isolate failed requests.
- Capture traffic with packet sniffing tools to analyze connection failures.
- Check server logs to identify error codes and timestamps.
- Use OpenSSL to test TLS handshakes with remote hosts.
These techniques help narrow down the stage at which connections are reset and can point to specific culprits like protocol mismatches, server outages, or middlebox interference.
Preventing Err_connection_reset Errors
To avoid Err_connection_reset errors in the future:
- Maintain stable internet connectivity without bandwidth caps or traffic shaping.
- Keep software updated including browsers, drivers, VPNs, and security tools.
- Use connection monitoring tools to catch network problems early.
- Learn to use developer tools to analyze connection failures.
Proactively optimizing your network, software, and diagnostics skills will minimize connection reset errors.
Conclusion
The Err_connection_reset error can appear mysterious at first but is usually caused by identifiable connectivity, software, or server issues. A series of progressive troubleshooting steps like resetting network hardware, changing protocols, clearing cached data, and contacting the host operator can eliminate these errors in most cases. For advanced diagnostics, packet captures, server logs, and protocol handshakes provide detailed insight. While irritating when they occur, arming yourself with the right troubleshooting techniques can allow you to confidently resolve Err_connection_reset problems and restore access to websites and services.