When using RealPlayer (any of the above) you may receive one of the following errors:
- "Cannot connect to server."
- "Unable to connect to server."
- "Unable to establish connection to server."
- "Check network transport settings or run auto-configure."
- "The RealPlayer was not able to successfully connect to a server for playback."
- "Cannot connect to server, the link you requested may be inaccurate or out of date."
These problems are often the result of a configuration problem in RealPlayer or a connection issue. Reconfiguring RealPlayer or troubleshooting your Internet connection can solve most instances of these problems.
Do one or more of the following:
Solution 1
You may receive the error,
"Cannot connect to server, the link you requested may be
inaccurate or out of date"
when accessing content that has been removed from the Internet
by the content provider. If you can access other media links (content)
on a site, this is most likely the cause of the problem.
Although the default content links within the current RealPlayer version are monitored , individual content providers can remove content at any time. If you notice missing content in Channels, Live Stations, Radio Tuner, or Take5, please submit a report with the feedback form at the following location:
http://realguide.real.com/info/?page=fbform
Solution 2
When trying to use the RealPlayer AutoUpdate feature (Help >
Check for Update), you may receive an "Unable to establish
connection to server" error message.
To correct this problem, try using the AutoUpdate feature at an alternate time during the day. This problem typically occurs during "peak hours" when network traffic is highest.
Solution 3
When you click a Link, a Channel or a Preset, you receive "Unable
to connect to server" or "Check network transport settings
or run auto-configure" errors.
To correct this problem, use the RealPlayer AutoConfigure feature before attempting to play content:
RealPlayer G2:
1. Start RealPlayer G2.
2. Click the Option menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Transport tab.
4. Click "Automatically select best transport".
5. Click the Auto Configure button.
6. Click the OK button in the following dialog window.RealPlayer 7 & 8:
1. Start RealPlayer 7 or 8.
2. Click the View menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Transport tab.
4. Click "Automatically select best transport".
5. Click the Auto Configure button.
6. Click the OK button in the following dialog window.
Once AutoConfigure is complete, RealPlayer will use the most efficient network transport method for your Internet connection.
Solution 4
If you receive an error message about a network firewall when
you try to play content with RealPlayer, or if you are unsure
if a network firewall is preventing you from playing content,
check with your Network Manager or Internet Service Provider (ISP).
For instructions on configuring RealPlayer to work with a network firewall, visit the following RealNetworks web page:
http://service.real.com/firewall/
Note: If you are connecting to the Internet via AOL, MSN, EarthLink, Sympatico, MindSpring, Netcom, Sprynet, CompuServe, Prodigy Internet, or another common Internet Service Provider, you should not need to configure RealPlayer for use with a firewall.
Solution 5
If you receive a "Cannot connect to server" error after
you click a link on a web page, the delivery protocol for the
content may be configured incorrectly.
As a workaround, try setting the RealPlayer transport method to HTTP Only:
RealPlayer G2:
1. Start RealPlayer G2.
2. Click the Option menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Transport tab.
4. Click "Use Specified Transports".
5. Click the RTSP Settings button, then click "HTTP Only".
6. Click OK.
7. Click the PNA Settings button, then click "HTTP Only".
8. Click OK, then Click OK again.RealPlayer 7 & 8:
1. Start RealPlayer 7 or 8.
2. Click the View menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Transport tab.
4. Click "Use Specified Transports."
5. Click the RTSP Settings button, then click "HTTP Only."
6. Click OK.
7. Click the PNA Settings button, then click "HTTP Only."
8. Click OK, then Click OK again.
Solution 6
When you use RealPlayer while connected to America Online (AOL),
you may receive one of the following errors:
- "Unable to connect to the server"
- "Cannot connect to server"
Your computer will then try to reconnect to AOL. These errors typically happen for one of the following reasons:
A. AOL has an "idle timer" feature that automatically disconnects you if you have not used your computer while connected to AOL for a predetermined amount of time. You will receive a "Cannot connect to server" error if AOL has terminated your connection and you try to access the Internet with RealPlayer.
If this occurs, you must reconnect to AOL. Once you have reconnected to AOL, you will be able to access content with RealPlayer.
B. When you install RealPlayer and use AOL 4.0 or 5.0 to connect to the Internet, RealPlayer may configure itself to use your web browser's HTTP proxy settings.
As a workaround for this problem, reconfigure RealPlayer so it does not use the HTTP proxy settings.
RealPlayer G2:
1. Start RealPlayer G2.
2. Click the Option menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Proxy tab.
4. Select the "No HTTP Proxy" check box in the HTTP Options section.
5. Click OK.
6. Restart RealPlayer.RealPlayer 7 & 8:
1. Start RealPlayer 7 or 8.
2. Click the View menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Proxy tab.
4. Click the "No HTTP Proxy" check box in the HTTP Options section.
5. Click OK.
6. Restart RealPlayer.