Error 495 can be frustrating to deal with, but don’t worry – it’s usually an easy fix. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common causes of error 495 and how to resolve them quickly.
What is Error 495?
Error 495 is a generic connection error that occurs when there is a problem with network connectivity. Specifically, it indicates that the client was unable to connect to the server. Some common causes include:
- Incorrectly configured firewall settings blocking connections
- Connectivity issues like an unstable internet connection
- Invalid login credentials when trying to connect
- Outdated network drivers on the client machine
- Server outages or downtime
Error 495 can occur in a variety of applications and services like VPNs, FTP, email clients, games, etc. The technical name for error 495 is “TCP_ERROR_INVALID_SERVER_RESPONSE”.
Troubleshooting Steps for Error 495
Here are some general troubleshooting steps to resolve error 495:
- Check connectivity: Try accessing other internet services to see if you have a general internet connection issue. If other sites load fine, then the problem may be isolated to the specific application or service.
- Restart devices: Restart routers, modems, computers, or other relevant devices to refresh connections.
- Disable firewalls and security software: Temporarily disable any firewalls, antivirus software, VPN clients, or security tools that could be blocking connectivity. Re-enable after testing.
- Renew IP address: On the computer, renew your IP address by running “ipconfig /release” and “ipconfig /renew” commands.
- Check login credentials: If you’re getting the error when logging into a service, double check that your username and password are correct.
- Update network drivers: Make sure you have the latest Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and other network drivers installed.
- Change DNS servers: Switch to public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) to see if that fixes connection issues.
- Flush DNS cache: Clear your DNS cache with “ipconfig /flushdns” to eliminate incorrect DNS records.
- Check server status: Google the service and “status” to see if their servers are down for maintenance.
Fixing Error 495 on Specific Applications
Error 495 in VPNs
For VPN-related error 495 problems, try these steps:
- Re-enter VPN login credentials correctly
- Clear VPN cache and cookies in the app
- Reset the VPN router if using a hardware VPN
- Check the VPN subscription status and renew if expired
- Disable antivirus software that may be blocking the VPN
- Try switching VPN protocols like from OpenVPN to IKEv2
- Update the VPN client app to the latest version
Error 495 in Email Clients
For email programs, these tips may help:
- Check email username and password
- Update your email client software
- Try webmail access instead of a desktop client
- Disable email client addons/plugins that may cause issues
- Change SSL/TLS settings if available
- Modify POP3/IMAP port settings
- Clear email cache and data
Error 495 in FTP
If you get error 495 on FTP, try:
- Double check FTP login details are correct
- Update the FTP client software
- Try an alternative FTP client or program
- Check FTP server firewall settings
- Switch between active and passive FTP
- Adjust port configuration in FTP settings
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
If the basic steps above don’t resolve error 495, you can try some more advanced troubleshooting:
- Ping remote server by IP address to test basic connectivity
- Perform a traceroute to identify network issues
- Adjust MTU settings on network adapters
- Change physical network cables and ports
- Test software on different devices and networks
- Examine system and application logs for clues
- Post on tech forums for help diagnosing obscure errors
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried all applicable troubleshooting steps and are still seeing error 495, it’s time to reach out for additional help:
- Contact your network administrator if on a corporate network
- Reach out to the vendor/provider of the software or service
- Post details on a related tech forum or subreddit
- Search for the error 495 code + software name for common issues
- Hire an IT professional to troubleshoot further
Be prepared to provide detailed information like:
- Full text of error message
- Screenshots
- System specifications and versions
- Network configuration details
- Troubleshooting steps attempted
- Any changes or events preceding the error
With good information for support staff to review, they will be much better equipped to resolve stubborn error 495 problems.
Preventing Error 495 in the Future
Here are some tips to avoid error 495 going forward:
- Keep all related software updated to latest versions
- Maintain stable internet connectivity
- Don’t make firewall or security software overly restrictive
- Back up valid login credentials in a password manager
- Regularly renew subscriptions and licenses
- Enable automatic driver updates on your devices
- Set software to update itself automatically
- Cleanly uninstall programs before reinstalling them
Example Error 495 Scenarios
Here are two example scenarios where error 495 could occur and potential solutions:
Gaming App Can’t Connect to Server
- Error occurs when launching online game on PC
- Game displays error 495 saying it can’t reach game server
- Checking internet connection shows other sites working fine
- Possible solutions:
- Update game app and reboot PC
- Temporarily disable firewall and retest
- Run ping test to game server IP to confirm connectivity issue
- Check gaming company forums for server status
- Contact game support if issue persists
VPN Connection Times Out
- User gets error 495 when connecting to corporate VPN
- VPN was connecting fine previously from home network
- Other devices and sites connecting normally
- Possible solutions:
- Reset home router and modem
- Confirm VPN credentials are still accurate
- Clear VPN app cache and data
- Try VPN on cellular network as additional test
- Work with corporate IT to troubleshoot further
Conclusion
Error 495 generally indicates a network connectivity issue between a client and server. While frustrating, it can typically be resolved through common troubleshooting like resetting devices, verifying credentials, updating software, and testing connectivity. Persistent error 495 problems may require advanced troubleshooting, contacting the vendor or provider, or engaging IT support to investigate further based on the context. With the right approach, error 495 can usually be eliminated and smooth connections restored.