when I try to connect my cloud device using the dashboard shortcut I get will not connect to sever
Can you access the My Cloud Dashboard using a web browser?
http://wdmycloud (windows)
http://wdmycloud.local (mac)
Does the Mac Finder or Windows File Explorer find the My Cloud?
If the My Cloud IP Address has changed you may have to try using the new IP address for the My Cloud in your web browser.