Overview
Error Code 18 (Server is unreachable) indicates that the Softdrive client was unable to reach the remote server during the connection attempt.
This means the server could not be contacted over the network, preventing the session from being established.
In many cases, this is a temporary condition and resolves once connectivity is restored.
Applies To
- Softdrive Virtual Machines
- Softstream Client
- Users unable to establish a connection
Symptoms
- Unable to connect to Softdrive
- Error Code 18 (Server is unreachable) displayed
- Connection attempt fails immediately
Possible Causes
- Temporary network outage or loss of internet connectivity
- Remote server temporarily unavailable or restarting
- Firewall, VPN, or network security rules blocking access
- DNS resolution issues
This issue may be related to network reachability or server availability.
Resolution
- Check your internet connection and confirm you can access other websites
- Retry the connection after a few minutes to allow temporary issues to resolve
- Disable VPNs or network filters temporarily to test connectivity
- Use the Troubleshoot option in the Softdrive Dashboard if the issue started unexpectedly
Validation / Expected Result
The Softdrive session connects successfully once network connectivity or server availability is restored.
Troubleshooting Notes
- Test using a different network (e.g., hotspot) to isolate connectivity issues
- Corporate networks may block required ports or endpoints
- VPN usage can interfere with routing and server reachability
- DNS misconfiguration may prevent resolving server addresses
Escalation
If the issue persists, contact Softdrive Support and include the following:
- Error code: Error Code 18 – Server is unreachable
- 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