What is 0x800704cf?
Network location cannot be reached ranks as a medium-severity Windows operating system issue in our database. The network location cannot be reached. Error occurs when trying to sign in to Microsoft services or access network drives. Common triggers are TCP/IP stack corruption and incorrect DNS settings. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.
Common Causes
- Workstation service not running
- TCP/IP stack corruption
- Incorrect DNS settings
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Reset TCP/IP stack via CMD
This step, "Reset TCP/IP stack via CMD", specifically rules out TCP/IP stack corruption.
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2
Enable 'Client for Microsoft Networks' in adapter properties
Still seeing 0x800704cf after that? "Enable 'Client for Microsoft Networks' in adapter properties" is the next thing to check.
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3
Run: ipconfig /flushdns
"Run: ipconfig /flushdns" covers a less common but documented cause of 0x800704cf.
Commands & Diagnostics
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns
Frequently Asked Questions
Workstation service not running accounts for the majority of 0x800704cf reports; TCP/IP stack corruption and incorrect DNS settings come up less often but are documented.
The fastest fix is "Reset TCP/IP stack via CMD". Only move on to the later steps if 0x800704cf keeps coming back.
0x800704cf is a medium-severity issue. It can affect system stability, but the fix steps above typically resolve it without lasting damage.
You shouldn't need to. Work through the guide above first — a reinstall is only worth considering if none of those steps help.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x800704cf. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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