Q: Solution to iCloud control panel 4 sign-in server error under windows 8.1x64

Potential solution for icloud 3.1 and 4.0 installation and iTune store sign-in, all showing errors or sign-in errors due to server error.

My setup is Iphone 4S upgraded to ios8, ipad Air still on 7.1.2, windows PC on Win8.1x64 and with icloud 3.1 working fine till I tried to
upgrade/install/re-install 4.0 icloud control panel after upgrade to ios8. See end of message for other alternatives I had tried.

This worked for me.

There seem to be some programmes that is conflicting with Apple's, so download this free program autoruns suggested by Apple software on Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store

1. Run the program and choose the the "Winsock Providers", any other programme that shows up here except Bonjour (which is used by Apple) may be conflicting with the sign-in.
2. Uninstall those potentially conflicting programs
3. Inside autoruns->Winsock Provider, right click on the conflicting programs and choose delete. This would stop the conflicting program to start up
   again. Reboot the computer
4. Install icloud control panel, sign in
5. If works, reinstall those conflicting programs again and all back to normal, with iCloud control panel working
6. If doesn't work, my mojo not strong enough and you need to google for more help.

Other activities I googled, tried and failed

a) Adding Apple icloud program and services into the windows firewall

b) Uninstall version 4.0, re-install 3.1 (about 10 times)

c) create a new Apple ID to sign in

d) Sign out of icloud from my devices (iphone and ipad)

e) switch to Android devices