The connection was reset error

Question

Whenever I try to open a file on one drive on line, on my desktop PC I keep getting "the connection was reset" and it doesn't allow me to open any files. How can I fix this issue. I uninstalled & re-installed One Drive - still the same. My internet is perfect & I've disabled my firewall - but still get the same issue. Can someone please help. Many thanks

Answer 1

The "connection was reset" error when trying to open files on OneDrive can be frustrating. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Check Internet Connection: Although you mentioned your internet is perfect, ensure that your connection is stable and not experiencing intermittent drops.
2. Reset Internet Explorer Settings: Sometimes, custom Internet options can interfere with OneDrive. Try resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings. This can be done by going to Internet Options > Advanced > Reset.
3. Repair OneDrive: Instead of uninstalling and reinstalling, you can try repairing OneDrive. This can often resolve issues without the need for a complete reinstall. You can find instructions on how to repair OneDrive in the Microsoft support documentation.
4. Update OneDrive: Ensure that you are using the latest version of OneDrive. Updating to the current release can resolve many issues.
5. Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date, as updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility with applications like OneDrive.
6. Use Office Online: As a temporary workaround, you can try accessing your files through Office Online if the desktop application continues to give you trouble.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

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References:

• Troubleshooting OneDrive for work or school sync issues
• "There is a problem with your account, please try again later" when you open Office documents from OneDrive or SharePoint Online

Answer 2

Hello Kelvin Stacey,

Thank you for reaching out in Microsoft Q&A forum

I understand how frustrating it is when files won’t open in OneDrive online and keep showing a “connection was reset” message, even though your internet connection works normally and reinstalling OneDrive didn’t help.

Since this happens when opening files on OneDrive online, the cause is usually related to the browser or local network configuration rather than the OneDrive desktop app. Please try the steps below:

1. Open OneDrive online using a different browser (for example, Edge if you are using Chrome, or vice versa) and test opening a file.
2. Clear the browser’s cache and cookies, then restart the browser and sign back into OneDrive.
3. Temporarily disable browser extensions, especially VPNs, ad blockers, security add‑ins, or download managers, and test again.
4. Reset the browser to its default settings to clear any custom network or security configuration.
5. Try accessing OneDrive online from a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, to rule out proxy or ISP filtering.
6. Make sure your system date and time are set automatically, as secure connections depend on correct time synchronization.
7. As a temporary workaround, try opening the file using Office for the web to confirm the file itself opens correctly.

If the problem continues, please share:

• Which browser and version you are using
• Whether the same behavior occurs in all browsers
• Whether OneDrive online works correctly on another device

Many thanks

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Answer 3

I'm still struggling to fix the problem. I did write chapter & verse of what Ive tried but I pressed a wrong button and I lost it all. I have tried my laptop and I can access files one drive files online ok. Ive also tried Edge & Chrome from my desktop and both browsers don't allow me to open a file on my desktop. I don't know how to do the things you suggested on para 3. Dont have VPN active and I cleared browser history. If you explain how do sort bits in para 3 I'd be most grateful as issue still exists. Many thanks

Answer 4

Paragraph 3 in the 2nd batch of suggestions

Answer 5

Many thanks for your help. I'll focus on doing what you've suggested tomrw (Thurs) and will let you know the outcome. Thanks again very much appreciate your help