I am currently abroad and getting error code 0x800704cf when i want to use excel

offered solution doesn't solve the issue

Error 0x800704cf indicates that Excel cannot reach required Microsoft online services, even if other apps can access the internet. The issue is with how Windows or the current network is allowing Office traffic, not with Excel itself.

Try the following steps that are safe for other apps and reversible:

1. Check the network/location
   If on a work or school network (corporate Wi‑Fi, VPN, or guest network), there may be restrictions that block Office services. In that case:
   • Temporarily connect from a different location such as a home network, a friend’s network, or a mobile hotspot, and try Excel again.
   • This does not change any settings on the device; it only uses a different network path.
   This is similar to the guidance for Office installation errors on restricted networks: if a corporate or school network is limited, using a different network is recommended and does not affect later use when back on the usual network.
2. Ensure required Windows networking services are running
   These services are standard and should already be running; starting them will not break other apps:
   1. Open Start and type services.msc, then open Services.
   2. Locate and verify these services are Running:
      • Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup
      • Network List Service
      • Network Location Awareness
      • Windows Event Log
   3. If any is not running, right‑click it and select Start.
   4. Retry Excel.
3. Reset TCP/IP and Winsock (safe and reversible)
   This resets Windows network components to defaults, which often fixes connectivity issues to Microsoft services and is designed not to harm normal app connectivity:
   1. Open Start, type cmd.exe.
   2. Right‑click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
   3. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
      • netsh int ip reset
      • netsh winsock reset
   4. Restart the device.
   5. Open Excel and test again.
4. Temporarily disable IPv6 (then re‑enable)
   This is a diagnostic step; it can be reverted easily and should not permanently affect other work apps:
   1. Right‑click the network icon in the system tray → Open Network & Internet Settings.
   2. Select Change adapter options.
   3. Right‑click the active network connection → Properties.
   4. Clear the checkbox Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
   5. Click OK and test Excel.
   6. After testing, go back and re‑check Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) to restore the original configuration.
5. If on a managed (work/school) device
   If the device is managed by an organization, firewall or proxy rules may block Excel’s access to Microsoft 365 endpoints. In that case, contact the IT admin, provide the error and explain that other apps work but Office reports no internet; they may need to allow the required Microsoft 365 URLs and IP ranges.

All of the above steps either only change the current network being used or reset Windows networking to standard defaults. They are commonly used to restore connectivity to Microsoft 365 services and should not prevent other work apps from functioning, including when returning home.

References:

• Microsoft 365 Apps activation error codes 0xCAA70007 and 0xCAA80000
• Error code 12002-4, 12007-4, or 12152-4 when installing Office
• Why am I getting a message that says to troubleshoot my Internet connection?