Troubleshooting the "pgAdmin 4 Server Could Not Be Contacted" Error

Cause and Resolution

The "pgAdmin 4 server could not be contacted" error occurs when you are using PostgreSQL for the first time or when the pgAdmin4 software is unable to connect to the local server. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:

1. Check Firewall Settings

Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the connection to the PostgreSQL server. Make sure that the necessary ports are open for incoming and outgoing traffic.

2. Restart PostgreSQL Services

Restart the PostgreSQL services to refresh the connection. To do this, open the command prompt and run the following commands:

``` net stop PostgreSQL net start PostgreSQL ```

3. Check pgAdmin4 Configuration

Verify that the pgAdmin4 software is configured correctly. In the "Servers" section, ensure that the hostname or IP address of the PostgreSQL server is specified and that the port number is correct (usually 5432).

4. Reinstall pgAdmin4

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling pgAdmin4. This will ensure that any corrupted files or settings are removed.

5. Check System Tray Icon

After closing the error message, check if the system tray icon for PostgreSQL crashes and closes everything. If it does, you may need to restart your computer to resolve this issue.

6. Check Multiple PostgreSQL Instances

If you have multiple instances of PostgreSQL installed, ensure that you are connecting to the correct one. Verify the instance name in the pgAdmin4 configuration and restart the corresponding PostgreSQL service.