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Fix SharePoint Site Cannot Be Reached or Has Disappeared Error
Question details
The user is unable to access a previously working SharePoint site and receives a "server IP address could not be found" error.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open or navigate to an existing SharePoint site link via a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The browser displays a "This site cannot be reached" error, preventing the user from accessing the site's pages, files, and documents.
Ensure your internet connection is stable and try refreshing the web page. It is also highly recommended to check if your colleagues are experiencing the same issue, as this can help determine if it is a localized browser problem or a tenant-wide server outage.
Perform Basic Network and Browser Troubleshooting
Rule out local browser caching issues, broken bookmarks, and network connectivity problems.
Often, a site appearing unreachable is simply caused by an outdated browser cache or a DNS error on your current network. Bypassing these local factors is the fastest way to restore access.
Launch your web browser and open a private browsing window (press Ctrl+Shift+N on Chrome/Edge, or Cmd+Shift+N on Mac) to bypass stored cache and cookies.
Instead of using a saved bookmark, log in to your Microsoft 365 portal at Office.com. Click the App Launcher (waffle icon) in the top left and select SharePoint to see if the site loads from the main directory.
Disconnect from your current Wi-Fi or VPN and connect to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot. Try loading the SharePoint site again to rule out local DNS restrictions.
Verify Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Licenses
Ensure that the correct Microsoft 365 license with SharePoint access is actively assigned to the affected user account.
Check Site Status in the SharePoint Admin Center
Tenant administrators should verify the status and existence of the site to ensure it wasn't accidentally deleted or modified.
Experience Seamless Document Collaboration with WPS Office
Since SharePoint and Microsoft 365 can occasionally experience server interruptions or licensing complexities, having a reliable local and cloud alternative is essential. WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible suite for all your document needs without the hassle of complex tenant administration.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open and Collaborate: Open your existing Office documents directly in WPS and utilize the built-in cloud tools to share and collaborate instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SharePoint site say 'server IP address could not be found'?
This specific error generally indicates a DNS resolution issue, a network firewall restriction, or that the site's URL was changed by an IT administrator. It can also occur if the site has been deleted or if your Microsoft 365 license has recently expired.
Can a regular user fix a disappeared SharePoint site on their own?
A regular user can attempt basic troubleshooting, such as clearing the browser cache, using a private browsing window, or logging in via the main Office.com portal. However, if the site was deleted, renamed, or if the license was unassigned, the user must contact their organization's IT administrator for a fix.
How do I know if my SharePoint license is still active?
You can check this by logging into your Microsoft 365 web portal, clicking on your profile picture, and selecting 'View account'. From there, navigate to the 'Subscriptions' tab to verify if your licenses for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 are currently active.
