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Overview

 Error Code 03 (HandshakeTimeout) indicates that the Softdrive client was able to initiate a connection to the remote computer, but did not receive the required session settings acknowledgment (ACK) needed to complete the connection. 

 This means the initial connection was established, but the session configuration negotiation did not complete within the expected time. 

Applies To

• Softdrive Platform
• Softstream Client
• Softdrive Cloud Desktops

Symptoms

• Connection attempt stalls or times out during session launch
• Session fails to initialize after selecting a computer
• Handshake or session timeout error is displayed

Possible Causes

• Poor or unstable internet connection
• High latency or packet loss affecting session negotiation
• Temporary network congestion
• Short-lived network interruptions during session setup

 This issue is most commonly related to network quality rather than client configuration or platform-side failures. 

Resolution

1. Check your internet connection quality
   • Ensure your connection is stable with minimal packet loss and latency
   • Switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible
2. Retry the connection
   • Wait briefly and attempt to reconnect
   • Temporary network conditions may improve
3. Use Softdrive Troubleshoot
   • If the issue started recently, run the Troubleshoot option from the Softdrive dashboard
4. Restart devices
   • Restart your local machine
   • Restart the Softdrive Cloud PC if accessible

Validation / Expected Result

• The connection completes successfully
• The Softdrive session launches normally
• No handshake timeout errors are displayed

Troubleshooting Notes

• This error is strongly associated with packet loss and latency issues
• Testing on a different network is the fastest way to isolate the problem
• Using a wired connection significantly improves connection stability

Escalation

 If the issue persists, contact Softdrive Support and include the following: 

• Error code: Error Code 03 – HandshakeTimeout
• Date and time of occurrence
• Network type (home, corporate, VPN, hotspot)
• Screenshot of the error message
• Description of any network issues observed

 Email: support@softdrive.co