The server you are trying to access is using an authentication protocol not supported by this version of Office.

Trying the technical fix didn't work - after deleting ...AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Spw it was not possible to delete ...AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache because it helds the Microsoft Access Database. Repairing Office worked fine for a few other issues (Outlook didn't recognize .ics any longer) but not the Groove.exe issue. It restored the same oldish version 16.0.6366.2036 as anywhere else.

So, not even the technical fix works. When will Microsoft fix its products?

I found a technical answer relating to Windows 10:

community.office365.com/.../1059674

There are many other threads since May 2015, relating to the same problem. It is not fixed yet. Thus, the best suggestion is not to use OneDrive for Business. You cannot rely on it for your cloud data. I still cannot understand how deleting a cache can change server authentication. As a minimum, the above error message is telling the wrong thing. Maybe, Microsoft is no longer interested in SharePoint and Groove, and simply stopped due maintenance.

The fix should go into Windows Update and Office 365 install, not by deleting hidden folders. I won't re-install OneDrive for Business. As a reliable cloud service, I use TresorIt, anyway. So, for me the issue is solved. But for Microsoft, we have a problem.

Thanks, Jim, for your reply. I deleted Groove.exe because I was annoyed by the server authentication message. Even if not, your response is not helpful, as I won't delete anything in the OS that I don't know what it is. I expect from Microsoft Windows Update utility that it delivers what I purchased and payed for. I'm not willing to jeopardize sanity of my Office 365 that otherwise runs fine; I make my living from using Windows and Office, not from repairing installation.

However, I found it on my other laptop, and Groove.exe is Version 16.0.6366.2036 indeed. Going to Control Panel on the main laptop, there is no Microsoft Office Subscription. however, on 'Programs and Features' have four language versions of the Microsoft Office 365 Small Business Premium, en-us, de-de, it-it, fr-fr, all updated 2.1.2016, plus "Korrekturhilfen 2013 Deutsch" and "Proofing Tools 2013 Italiano". the latter two I wonder whether I should uninstall.  There is nothing like a Groove or OneDrive apps.

Finally, I cannot see how deleting credentials stored in a cache should change server authentication protocols on server side. I regularly delete cache using CCleaner and Disk Cleanup. I know the URL of my.sharepoint.com but trying to reconnect the Groove client to it didn't help either. It looks to me like the server needs repair, not the client.

Hi Thomas,

Regarding the error message, I'd like to collect some information:

1. Could you let us know the version of your OneDrive for Business (Groove.exe)?

To check it, you can go to Task Manager-> Microsoft OneDrive for Business (groove.exe)-> Properties-> Details.

2. If it is 16.0, could you try the following steps?

a. To check your Office 2016 client: Go to Control Panel > Select the Microsoft Office Subscription > right click > Change > Select Online Repair

b. Remove all the stored credentials in the credentials manager in control panel

c. Restart PC

d. Delete the folders below:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\Spw

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache

e. Sign out and sign in Word

f. Start OneDrive for Business. (From the search bar typed OneDrive for Business> click on the app > sync a different library instead >past the url of the libraries > Sync now

Please let us know any updates for further help.

Thanks,

Jim

Vincent, thanks for pointing to the new sync client. However, I'm not interested in installing pre-releases; I pay for a finished and reliable product. Where is the Office 2016 app for OneDrive for Business?