How to Deal With VPN Error 812

VPNs are popular among gamers, businesses, and individuals for boosting internet speed, accessing restricted content, and enhancing online security.

However, VPN services are far from perfect. They are known for various performance errors such as VPN error 812. These errors, in turn, cause different problems, including the inability to connect to the internet or server, app crashing or freezing, and security problems, among others. This article will talk about error 812 VPN connection, a not-so-common error that involves the RAS/VPN server.

What Is Error 812?

Error 812 is a VPN connection problem that is related to the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), which is responsible for implementing routing protocols. RRAS is a Microsoft API and server software, so this error appears only on Windows operating systems such as Windows 10/11, Windows 7, and Windows 8/8.1.

This VPN connection error comes with a notification of the halted connection because the authentication method used by the server to verify your username and password is not consistent with the one configured in your VPN profile. The error message also advises users to contact the administrator of the RAS server and notify them of the error.

The error might seem complicated because it sounds technical, but the solutions are actually very easy. You just need to follow the instructions exactly for them to work.

What Causes Error 812?

The main culprit behind this error is Microsoft’s RRAS server. It is possible that the server fails to start every time a VPN connection is initiated, or there is an incorrect configuration that interferes with the running of the server. Here are some of the specific scenarios that could lead to error 812:

• Incorrect authentication protocol. If your VPN client is installed on Windows Vista or later and the authentication protocol of the VPN server is set to MS-CHAP, then you’ll most likely encounter this error. This is because MS-CHAP is no longer being used in later versions of the Windows OS.
• NPS automatically selects the authentication protocol. If your Network Policy Server (NPS) is enabled, it automatically selects what authentication protocol will be used by the server. It is possible that the protocol selected by NPS is in conflict with the VPN authentication protocol, hence causing this error.
• Inconsistent RRAS VPN server configuration. Error 812 occurs when your RRAS settings do not match those on your VPN client system.

Other factors that might trigger VPN connection error 812 include malware infection that interfered with the server settings, corrupted system files, and an outdated VPN client. We’ve outlined steps below to help you deal with this problem and get you connected back to the server again.

How to Fix VPN Error 812

To facilitate the troubleshooting process, taking some first-aid steps would be a big help. Make sure you are running the latest version of your VPN client by checking your VPN provider’s website. Download any updates and install them on your computer. Turn off your firewall and antivirus software temporarily while fixing error 812 in case they might be blocking your connection.

Clean up your system using Outbyte PC Repair to get rid of junk files, then reboot your computer to give it a fresh start. Check your VPN if the error has been fixed. If not, proceed with the solutions below.

Method #1: Grant Access to Microsoft VPN Client.

When you check the Network Attached Storage (NAS) policy on your computer, you’ll probably discover that connections from the Microsoft VPN client are denied by default. To fix this, you need to grant access to the Microsoft server for the connection to be successful.

To do this:

1. Open your VPN’s routing or remote access management console on Windows 10/11 by clicking Start > Administrative Tools > Server Manager.
2. Expand Roles, then expand Network Policy and Access Services.
3. Click on Routing and Remote Access.
4. Right-click on Remote Access Logging and Policies, then click the Launch NPS button.
5. On the left menu, click Network Policies.
6. Right-click on the Connections to Microsoft Routing and Remote Access server in the right pane, then choose Properties.
7. Click on Grant Access, then hit Apply.

Restart your VPN client and check if the error has been resolved.

Method #2: Change Primary DNS to Domain Controller.

One of the reasons why error 812 happens is that the Network Policy Server (NPS) is unable to connect to the domain controller where the VPN account is located, leading to an authentication failure.

To fix this:

1. Click Start and type in ncpa.cpl in the search box. Press Enter. This should directly open your network settings.
2. Right-click on the VPN connection you are using, then choose Properties.
3. Change the Primary DNS of the RRAS server to Domain Controller.
4. Set the secondary DNS to External Server.
5. Edit the range of the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8, which is the Google server.
6. Apply the changes and restart your VPN.

Check your VPN if you are now able to connect without any error.

Method #3: Edit Your Tunnel Type Settings.

1. Open Server Manager by typing ServerManager in the Run utility.
2. Click on Tools, then choose Network Policy Server to open the NPS console.
3. Double-click on Policies, then right-click Network Policies.
4. Choose an additional value under Tunnel Type such as L2TP. This would change the value of your Tunnel Type to L2TP or PPTP.
5. Click Apply, then close the NPS console.
6. Try connecting your VPN client to reset the Network Policy.
7. Change back the Tunnel Type to the previous setting, which is PPTP.

Run your VPN client once again to see if the problem has been fixed.

Method #4: Choose a Different Authentication Protocol.

If the error occurs because the NPS uses a different authentication protocol from that of the VPN client, you can use the NPS console to configure a more secure authentication protocol. You can use either MS-CHAPv2 or EAP, depending on what matches your VPN client.

Method #5. Contact Your Network Admin.

Error 812 can also occur when you don’t have enough access rights. If this is the case, you should contact your network administrator to ask them to update your permissions. You should also confirm that all protocol and authentication permissions are correct for the VPN connection to work.

Method #6: Switch to a More Reliable VPN.

If you’re using a free VPN, chances are you’ll encounter these errors regularly. If you keep on getting these errors that prevent you from maximizing your VPN connection, it is only practical to switch to a more reliable VPN company such as Outbyte VPN. Not only will these errors be minimized, but you will also have access to a more secure and stable VPN connection.

Final Thoughts

Error 812 might seem like a complicated VPN connection error because it involves server settings and authentication protocols, but the solutions are relatively easy. Most of the methods above require tweaking the configurations a bit, but you’ll be fine as long you follow the instructions closely.