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Constant errors connecting to unavailable server

Several weeks ago my Macbook Pro (Catalina) started popping up the following "There was a problem connecting to the server "xxxxx.xxxxx.xxxx.com". The server may not exist or it is unavailable at this time. Check the server name or IP address, check your network connection, and then try again."

This is a valid server, and I am able to connect to it fine while at my work office. When away from work office it continually tries to connect (every hour or less). When it occurs, there are 11 popup error messages.

If I change networks, i.e. wifi access point A to access point B, errors popup immediately.


I've searched all over and tried dozens of 'fixes' with no luck, including:

  • Delete ~/Library/Caches
  • Remove network shares from User Login items
  • add "local" to each network device DNS search
  • remove matching entries from KeyChain
  • Remove all Alias files on drive
  • Reconnect to server (which is at office), Eject properly, leave office... when away from office issue returns


I created a 2nd ADMIN account. Logging into that account I do NOT have the issue. It is limited to primary user account.


I've searched for the server name on drive and removed any references to it in the content of local files.


Used CleanMyMac to remove all "Junk" files


Suggestions?

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 25, 2020 7:26 PM

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2 replies

Mar 26, 2020 5:14 AM in response to dmeash

dmeash wrote:

• Several weeks ago my Macbook Pro (Catalina) started popping up the following "There was a problem connecting to the server "xxxxx.xxxxx.xxxx.com".

2nd ADMIN account. Logging into that account I do NOT have the issue.

Used CleanMyMac to remove all "Junk" files

Suggestions?



CleanMyMac is known to cause harm to system files among others.


Look for the official uninstaller to remove all detritus.

Even with that, you may still have issues with vital component parts in User account—


You can refresh the macOS by reinstalling the Combo update macOS 10.15.4 https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2037?locale=en_US



rule number one on Mac— do not install junk

Mar 30, 2020 12:13 PM in response to leroydouglas

Narrowed down issue by process of elimination now to ADOBE ACROBAT READER. I used it to review shared document on a work SMB share. Now away from work network, Adobe is continuing to try connecting to that resource. (Even though I am not trying to access, nor do I need that resource any longer).


Tips for stopping Adobe from trying to access old remote shared resources?

Constant errors connecting to unavailable server

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