Problem: “Contacting the server for information” or “Getting your new Office ready for you” message box prompt for long periods of time while opening up Microsoft Office 365 applications.
Content Summary
Solution 1: Close the Message and Microsoft Office App
Solution 2: Disable “Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open” Option in OneDrive sync client
Reference
Solution 1: Close the Message and Microsoft Office App
Step 1: Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC key combination to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Select Microsoft Office App that is currently blocked from working because of the message box.
Step 3: Click End Task button at the bottom of the dialog box. Your unsaved data in the app will be lost.
Step 4: Re-open Microsoft Office App.
Solution 2: Disable “Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open” Option in OneDrive sync client
For Windows, right click OneDrive icon in the taskbar > Settings > Office > uncheck Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open option.
For Mac, click the OneDrive icon in the menu > ellipsis > Preferences > uncheck Use Office 2016 to sync Office files that I open option.
After unchecked this setting, all files will be synced by OneDrive sync client.
Reference
Microsoft Answer Community: Contacting the server for information.
Microsoft Office Support: Why am I getting the message “Contacting the server for information”?
