It would seem that one does NOT want to try to run MSFS if the servers are down, and this can cause issues ?
I start MSFS with a Batch file (cmd file), which first goes to make sure it has Internet connection to the servers (?) by getting a Graphic file from the server, and displaying it.
If it cannot get and display that graphic file, then there is a good chance that the server is down or unreachable, and I stop trying to load MSFS, “BEFORE” it gets into trouble and confused(?) by nit finding the server.
May not be the best approach, but it works for me.
The URL for the Graphic I use is
https://msfs-cdn.azureedge.net/wp-content/themes/publishing/dist/images/desktop-hero_8711a4cf.jpg
https://msfs-cdn.azureedge.net/wp-content/themes/publishing/dist/images/desktop-hero_8711a4cf.jpg
If it does not load, then I stop trying to run MSFS
Not sure if this is the correct server to try, but it looks like it may be appropriate.
IN any case, it’s nice to see the Image POP UP, as it tells me the process of starting MSFS has started – otherwise its 45 seconds, starting at a screen, before you get any indication that you have really stated the process of starting up MSFS.