Fix: ‘Can’t Connect to Your Service’ Zoom Error Code 104101

Zoom is a fairly popular communication app for online learning purposes. Like all other apps, it has its share of issues that leave the users frustrated. One of the most reported issues is the connectivity issues with the Zoom servers or more specifically, the recent renowned error code 104101. This means that either there is a problem with your system’s settings or the Zoom application is down due to heavy user traffic. In a jam-packed schedule, the one thing you never want to come across is an error code. This error results in the disturbance of the user schedule and virtual meetings which sabotages their working pace and environment, both. Users usually end up with the following error notification:

Let us now discuss the reasons due to which you may encounter an error notification just like the one above. Once you get to know the reason that may be causing you this problem, it will become easy to decipher it.

What Causes Zoom Error Code 104101?

When the Zoom app is overloaded with a heavy number of users, it starts throwing up errors. To help get these errors fixed permanently, we have collected some major causes behind these errors depending upon the feedback of users. The root causes that must be considered while finding the solution to Zoom errors are listed below:

All the above-mentioned causes are collected by online research keeping in view the users’ inconvenience related to the Zoom application server errors.

Pre-Requisites:

Before going towards solutions, we suggest you go through the short workarounds listed below that worked for many users. But if you still face connectivity issues with the Zoom server, follow the solutions provided in the next section to get the error fixed. The recommended workarounds are as follows:

1. Restart PC: When a PC is restarted, its Random Access Memory (RAM) gets cleared. This will give your device a fresh start and the error may get fixed.
2. Restart the Network Device (Router): Restart your router and modem. To do so, simply unplug them and after a few seconds again plug them in. it may fix the error if it was due to an internet connectivity issue.
3. Restart Zoom Application: Close the Zoom app completely from Task Manager or close all windows of your browser if you are using the web version of the app. Wait for 30 seconds and then restart the app or open it in your browser.
4. Clear Browser’s Cache and Cookies: If you are using the web version of the Zoom application, then clearing the browser’s cache and cookies may fix the error. You can clear the cache and cookies of your web browser by reading this article. You can also clear cookies and cache for a particular website (in this case, https://www.zoom.us) from your web browser to save your data for other websites.
5. Update Zoom Application: The latest version of the Zoom app is 5.0. Check your Zoom app version and if it is not updated, try to update it to the latest version.
6. Run Malware Scan: Scan your device to check if there is malware causing errors in the working of your Zoom application.

In case none of the above workarounds helped you get out of this error then proceed with our first solution that is to configure Windows Firewall Settings.

Solution 1: Configure Firewall Settings

As mentioned above in the causes, that sometimes Windows Firewall blocks internet access of some applications because it detects them to be harmful to the system. To make the Zoom application functional again, we advise you to configure the Windows Firewall settings on your PC and unblock the Zoom app. This proved to be a helpful solution for many users online. To do so, follow the steps given below:

1. Click Start, search Control Panel, and open it. This will open the Windows Control Panel to access all the Windows settings i.e. Programs, Network, Hardware, Software, etc.

   

2. Click System and Security. This will open a window that allows you to do the system settings like Account Controls, Backup and Restore, etc. along with different security options like Windows Defender Firewall.

   

3. Now click on the Windows Defender Firewall option. A window will open to provide you with different security options to keep your home network and data secure.

   

4. On the left panel, click on the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option. This will take you to the list of all the installed programs with an option to allow or block them through a Firewall.

   

5. Click on Change Settings, scroll down, check-mark the Zoom Video Conference along with both public and private options, and then press OK. This will allow the Zoom application to gain access through Windows Defender Firewall.

   

6. Now go back to the main page of the Windows Defender Firewall and from the left panel select the Advanced Settings option. It will provide you with advanced security options on your PC.

   

7. Select Inbound Rules, scroll down, and click the Zoom Video Meeting option. Now from the right-side section, select the Properties option.
   Note: Repeat the same steps for the remaining options that are available for the Zoom application.

   

8. Choose the Allow the Connection option, click Apply and then select OK. This will enable Zoom application to have complete internet access through the Windows Firewall.

   

9. Now try logging into the Zoom application. This should fix your problem but in case if this solution does not work for you then proceed with the next given solution that will help you disable your anti-virus protection as it is a potential cause after misconfigured windows firewall to tackle this problem.

Solution 2: Disable the Anti-virus Protection

Sometimes, Anti-virus Software blocks some applications and they cannot work properly. Antivirus not only blocks the application’s execution but also its ability to access resources i.e. internet. By temporarily disabling the antivirus software on your PC, you can fix the problem and the Zoom app can start working again. The steps to disable the virus protection may vary if you use a third-party program for protection. However, on Windows, the default antivirus is provided by Windows Security. Follow these simple and easy steps given below to temporarily disable Windows Security:

1. Click Start, search Windows Security and open it. This will take you to the window with different security options to protect your system like Device Security, Account Protection, App and Browser Control, etc.

   

2. Select Virus and Threat Protection. A window will open to provide you with different options to secure your device from viruses and malware along with system scan options. Now click Manage settings to open the management section of Windows Security Settings.

   

3. Turn off the Real-Time Protection. This will temporarily disable the Windows Antivirus Protection, enabling the Zoom application to access the internet without any hindrance.

   

4. Now open the Zoom application and try logging in. This should fix your problem but in case it does not then, proceed with the final given solution that will surely eradicate your problem since it covers Configuring DNS Server Settings.
   Note: Windows will automatically turn the virus protection on after some time but it is always good to double-check.

Solution 3: Configuring DNS Server Settings

Connectivity issues with the Zoom server can be due to the DNS cache because sometimes this cache gets corrupted and comes up with errors. Clearing the DNS cache will remove all the previous entries and records, enabling your device to obtain new information or addresses whenever you visit a website. This will reset your computer’s configuration for internet connectivity. Furthermore, proper DNS Server Settings will further enable the Zoom application to utilize the internet effectively. This has been reported to be working by hundreds of users online as people normally do not configure their DNS server settings timely. Follow the steps given below to implement this solution into action:

1. Click Start, search Command Prompt, and open it. This will open DOS (Disk Operating System) that is an automation program known as the Command Prompt.

   

2. Copy-paste the command given below and press Enter. This command will clear Windows DNS Cache.

   ipconfig /flushdns

   

3. Again, Copy-paste the command Command and press Enter. It will undo the internet configuration of your device and set it back to default. Close the Command Prompt.

   netsh winsock reset

   

4. Click Start, search for Control Panel, and open it. This will open the Windows Control Panel to access all the Windows Settings i.e. Programs, Network, Hardware, Software, etc.
5. Select the Network and Internet option. This will open all Windows settings related to Network and Internet Connection i.e. Network and Sharing Centre, Internet Options, etc.

   

6. Click the Network and Sharing Centre and then select the Change Adapter Settings. It will let you control and change several settings and options for your wired and wireless connections.

   

7. Now for Ethernet, right-click on its adapter and click the Properties. A window will pop up, select the TCP/IPv4 option, then click on Properties. Select Use the following DNS server addresses option and add the DNS server addresses as indicated by the image given below. Now press OK and then Close.

   

8. Repeat the same procedure for the Wi-Fi adapter but add the DNS server addresses as shown in the image below.

   

9. Restart your PC and try logging into the Zoom application. This solution will finally get your problem fixed.