Error 721 remote computer not responding errors PCGX 705

[victwenty]

Hello - I have two computers. A desktop with a PCI modem, WIndows XP Service Pack II - it connects to my iSP - Free-Online fine.
I have a PCGX 705 laptop (XP serv pack 2 etc) (USB modem) which was working fine until about 3 weeks ago when I suddenly started getting Error: 721 - remote computer not responding errors.
I re-installed the drivers to the modem, still the same error. I even bought ANOTHER USB modem to check - but still the same problem. I tried various sockets, filters but still the same problem! The BT_Test doesn't connect either - same error message.
I have gone into DOS and re-intalled the TCP/IP DUNS as per the microsoft web site but still no joy.
The Sony lap top has Spy Bot and Adaware SE - all regularly checked.
Only firewall is the XP one. Disabled that - still same problem.
Preferred device is the usb modem !
Also - made sure the lap top has EXACTLy the same dial up settings etc as the desk top!

Have you any ideas of what to do?? My ISP has said (not unreasonably) that it is a problem with the laptop as my desktop is working fine. Is this a BIOS problem or USB problem? Has there been a BIOS release in the past few months? The dial up modem works OK by the way.

Thanks!

[kee-lo_]

What type of USB DSL modem is it?

[victwenty]

ZOOM 5510
It can't be a modem problem though as I got a second hand Alcatel which still produced 721 messages...
sigh.. - am now trying this..
http://www.xp-smoker.com/freeware.html

wish me luck!

[GBS]

Good Luck!!!
That looks like a "f**k or fix" tool!!!:smileysad:

[kee-lo_]

Yeah it's a dodgy tool if you don't know what you're doing, please do a system restore point before doing it

Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Restore > Make point enter a name and click finish

Done

[victwenty]

Crazily and amazingly last night , I went to Properties, Networking and un-installed everthing on the list there save for INternet Protocol. I then re-installed the packet scheduler, Client for Microsoft networks etc. Tried to connect and it WORKED !
I couldnt believe my eyes! Rejoice!
THEN, Tragically, I tried re-connecting later and got 721 again..and this morning - same old problem.
I potentially might cry if I have to do a complete wipe, re=install XP, then SP 2 on top of that and STILL get this effing error !

I have the Sony disks that came with the lap top here now. I have downloaded the SP2 update from Microsoft.

Is there any particular way I should attempt a re-install with the Sony disks?
From what I can remember you have to go into DOS and type "format c:" My disk was partioned though so I have a 'd' drive. Should I format d: to and erase everything there?

I imagine it is a case of doing that and putting in the Sonydisks? (there are 4 of them!) argh!

IF there's any web link I need to do this Sony specific, your direction would be appreciated!

Thanks for all your advice!

[kee-lo_]

Hi Vic,

All you need to do is put disk one in the DVD drive and reboot the VAIO, that starts the recovery process.

Obviosuly a Windows Networking issue then, Check that within the properties of the connection you get Windows to pickup automatically the DNS and IP rather than setting it yourself.

[victwenty]

OK .. So I re-installed it all from scratch... installed the modem drivers....hit the connect button.... 721 error !!
FTLOG !
About to throw the thing against the wall, I thought I'd try changing the "encapsulation" settings on the modem (no idea what this means) . I tried LLC, NUL and finally RFC 2516 PPPOE Encapsulation. The latter I hit the connect button and it says dialing 0,38 and waits...and waits...about 40 seconds it then verifies user name and password and connects (sometimes). I've NO IDEA what is happening. I just now tried connecting and it waiting about a minute and nothing seemed to be happening, tried again, nothing, so in the end shut down the lap top and started it up again. This time about a 30 second wait then it connected. SO - I am here on my laptop on line ADSL - good! , but still bemused why this has happened and why my desktop connects instantly - none of this long delay.

[kee-lo_]

I would ask your ISP whats the best settings for this modem