"Server Not Found" Error Message

1. I am using Windows 7.
2. I was having some trouble accessing Outlook.com
3. I am connected to a private network.
4. I have not installed any software.

Hi Liam! My name is David. I am a user of Microsoft products like you, and it is a pleasure to greet you.

Regarding your question, I would like to ask you a few questions:

1. Could you confirm if you are using Windows 7 or if you are using a custom skin for Windows 10 or Windows 11?
2. I understand that you can browse several websites and have trouble with some Microsoft sites; do these include outlook.com, office.com, msn.com, etc.?
3. Are you currently connected to a public, private, or work network?
4. Since when have you been experiencing this problem? Did you install any software recently? Or do you have security software like VPN or proxy?
5. Have you restarted your modem?

Please answer the questions I have asked to better understand the situation and be able to guide you accordingly. Best regards.

Hi Liam! Thanks for staying in touch. I'm glad to hear that the steps I've shared have been helpful.

Regarding your question, yes, you can create a Homegroup if you want to share files or printers within your local network. If you don't need it, you can choose not to set it up or remove it.

As for security, it shouldn't pose any risk if no one else is connected to your network.

Remember, to leave the Homegroup, you can go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Homegroup, and click on "Leave the homegroup...".

Let me know if the information shared has been helpful. Best regards.

I've followed those steps and it seems to be working for the moment. It did somehow create a homegroup. Is that okay? Could I leave it if I don't want it?

Hi Liam! Thank you for staying in touch and providing additional information.

Here are the steps I suggest in this case:

1. Although it is out of support and has not received updates since 2020, make sure you have all the updates that Windows Update provides. This is important because some of them contain certificates that may help with browsing websites that require them.
2. Clear the cache and cookies in both Firefox and Chrome. In both cases, you can find the option by going to the top right in the menu button > options or settings > privacy > clear browsing data or clear recent history. In this section, select cookies and cache.
3. You can change the DNS configuration to use public servers. You can do this as follows:

• Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click on your connection and select Properties.
• Look for the option "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on Properties.
• Check the box "Use the following DNS server addresses" and write the following:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

4. Open CMD as an administrator and run the following commands that help in situations like the one you are experiencing:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

5. Although I mentioned it before, I did not receive confirmation from you, so I also suggest restarting your internet modem. Is this problem only occurring on your Windows 7 PC, or is it also happening on other devices?

Let me know if the shared information has been helpful. Regards.