How to Fix Error 651 Error – Connecting to VPN I get - Error 651: The modem (or other connecting device) has reported an error
Error 651 occurs when connecting to a VPN due to issues with the modem or other connecting device. Check for outdated drivers, disable auto-tuning features and antivirus software.
📋 Table of Contents
The error 'Error 651: The modem (or other connecting device) has reported an error' occurs when the VPN connection is unable to establish a stable connection due to issues with the network interface card (NIC). This error affects users who are trying to connect to a PPTP VPN on their Windows devices.
This issue can be frustrating for end-users as it prevents them from accessing the internet securely. In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk through the steps to resolve this error and get the user back online.
⚠️ Common Causes
- The primary reason for this error is a misconfigured or incompatible NIC driver. When the NIC driver is not properly installed or configured, it can cause errors when trying to establish a VPN connection. Additionally, outdated or corrupted drivers can also lead to this issue.
- Another possible cause is a conflict between the PPTP VPN software and the Windows operating system's built-in network settings. This can occur if the user has enabled IPv6 on their network adapter or if there are other network-related programs running in the background that interfere with the VPN connection.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
Reinstalling NIC drivers and disabling IPv6
- Step 1: Step 1: Reinstall the NIC drivers. Go to Device Manager, find the Network Adapters section, right-click on the relevant driver, select 'Uninstall device', and then restart your computer. Once restarted, go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest version of the NIC driver. Follow the installation instructions to install the new driver.
- Step 2: Step 2: Disable IPv6 for the network adapter. Go to Network and Sharing Center, click on 'Change adapter settings', select the network adapter you want to modify, and then uncheck the box next to 'Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)'. This will disable IPv6 for that specific adapter.
- Step 3: Step 3: Restart your computer after completing these steps. This will ensure that any changes take effect.
Disabling Windows Vista/7 auto-tuning feature source
- Step 1: Step 1: Disable the Windows Vista/7 auto-tuning feature source. Go to System Properties, click on 'Advanced system settings', and then select 'Settings' under the 'Performance' tab. In the Performance Options window, uncheck the box next to 'Turn on fast startup (recommended)'. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
- Step 2: Step 2: Restart your computer after disabling this feature. This will ensure that any changes take effect and may help resolve the issue.
✨ Wrapping Up
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error 'Error 651: The modem (or other connecting device) has reported an error' and get the user back online. Remember to always keep your drivers up-to-date and disable any unnecessary network features to prevent similar issues in the future.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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