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How to Fix “There Has Been an Error Connecting to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team” on Windows 11

Connecting to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team on Windows 11 can sometimes lead to frustrating errors. One common issue is the message, “There has been an error connecting to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team.” This prevents you from accessing online features and enjoying the full game experience.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step methods to resolve this connection error. Each step is explained clearly, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can follow along easily.

By addressing common causes such as network issues, software conflicts, and system settings, you can get back to playing FIFA 17 Ultimate Team smoothly.

Let’s start with some quick checks to save you time before diving into detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your internet connection: Make sure you have a stable and working internet connection. Try opening a website or streaming a video to confirm.
  • Verify EA Servers status: Sometimes the problem is on EA’s side. Visit EA’s server status page to see if servers are down or undergoing maintenance.
  • Restart your PC: A simple restart can refresh your system and clear temporary glitches.
  • Run FIFA 17 as Administrator: Right-click the game icon and select Run as administrator to avoid permission issues.

Step 1: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus programs can sometimes block FIFA 17 from connecting to the internet. It is important to allow the game through these security measures.

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall in the sidebar.
  3. Look for FIFA 17 or EA Origin in the list. If you don’t see it, click Change settings and then Allow another app… to add it manually.
  4. Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked for FIFA 17.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

If you use a third-party antivirus, open its settings and add FIFA 17 or Origin to the exceptions or whitelist.

Step 2: Reset Network Settings

Network problems can cause connection errors. Resetting your network settings can fix issues like DNS problems or IP conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet > Status.
  3. Scroll down and click Network reset.
  4. Click Reset now and confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart automatically. After reboot, try connecting to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team again.

Why this helps: Network reset reinstalls network adapters and sets all networking components to default, clearing any misconfigurations that might block the game.

Step 3: Clear FIFA 17 Cache Files

Corrupted cache files can cause connection errors. Clearing them forces the game to recreate fresh files.

  1. Close FIFA 17 and Origin completely.
  2. Press Windows + R, type %ProgramData%, and press Enter.
  3. Open the Origin folder.
  4. Delete the folder named FIFA 17 or similar cache folders.
  5. Restart Origin and launch FIFA 17 again.

Clearing cache files removes potentially corrupted data that may interfere with online connectivity.

Step 4: Update Origin and FIFA 17

Running outdated versions of the game or Origin client can cause compatibility issues.

  • Open Origin and log in.
  • Click on Origin in the menu and select Application Settings.
  • Go to the Updates tab and enable automatic updates if not already enabled.
  • Check for updates for FIFA 17 by right-clicking the game in your library and selecting Update if available.

Keeping software updated ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements that may resolve connection problems.

Step 5: Change DNS Settings

Sometimes your default DNS server may cause slow or failed connections. Using a public DNS like Google’s can improve connectivity.

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
  2. Right-click your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  5. Enter the following:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  6. Click OK and close all windows.
  7. Restart your PC and try connecting again.

Changing to a reliable DNS server can reduce connection errors and improve response times.

Step 6: Reinstall FIFA 17 and Origin

If nothing else works, reinstalling the game and Origin client can fix corrupted files or improper installations.

  1. Press Windows + I, go to Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Find FIFA 17 and click Uninstall.
  3. Do the same for Origin.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Download and install the latest Origin client from Origin’s official site.
  6. Reinstall FIFA 17 through Origin and test the connection.

This process replaces all game and client files with fresh copies, resolving deeper issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the error say “There has been an error connecting to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team”?

This error usually means your PC cannot establish a proper connection to EA’s servers. Causes include internet issues, firewall blocks, server outages, or corrupted game files.

Can I play FIFA 17 Ultimate Team offline?

No, Ultimate Team requires an active internet connection to access online features and sync your progress.

Do I need a paid EA subscription to access Ultimate Team?

No, you do not need a subscription, but you must have a valid EA account and internet access.

Will disabling my firewall completely fix the issue?

Disabling your firewall temporarily can help test connectivity, but it is not recommended as a permanent solution due to security risks. Instead, add exceptions for FIFA 17 and Origin.

What if EA servers are down?

If EA servers are down, you cannot connect regardless of your settings. Check EA’s server status and wait for their team to resolve the issue.

Is Windows 11 compatible with FIFA 17?

Yes, FIFA 17 runs on Windows 11, but some compatibility issues might arise if your system is not updated or if there are driver conflicts.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face connection errors, consider the following:

  • Contact EA Support: Visit EA Help Center for personalized assistance.
  • Check your router settings: Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router, which helps with online game connectivity.
  • Try a wired connection: Use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.
  • Use a VPN: Sometimes regional blocks cause connection issues. Using a VPN to change your location might help, but use this as a last resort and ensure the VPN is reliable.

Conclusion

Connection errors in FIFA 17 Ultimate Team on Windows 11 can be frustrating but are usually fixable with simple steps. Start by checking your internet and EA server status, then move on to firewall settings and network resets. Clearing cache, updating software, and adjusting DNS settings often resolve most issues.

If problems persist, reinstalling the game and Origin client gives you a clean slate. Always keep your system and drivers updated for the best performance.

By following this guide carefully, you’ll increase your chances of quickly restoring access to FIFA 17 Ultimate Team and enjoying your gaming experience without interruptions.

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