Radford University
PPP Networking Instructions

Windows 95

Troubleshooting PPP: Something's Not Working Right!

1. Try telnet. If it reports a message about a socket error...

This is commonly a symptom of the PPP connection not being active. Some machines will automatically bring up the dial-up window if the machine is not already connected. However, most do not do so. Make sure that you open a dial-up connection (by double clicking the Radford dial-up icon), and leave it up. A common mistake that is made is that the connection is disconnected by accident. If a window appears (older versions of '95), minimize the window after it appears. If the window disappears, you can double click the two computers icon in the system tray (the very right of the Start bar), but be sure not to disconnect when closing the window.

2. Double check your networks control panel.

Another problem that most users run in to is the problem of having more than one TCP/IP protocol installed for the same adapter. To rephrase that, you have more TCP/IP's than you do adapter devices. This is determined by looking in the network's control panel and counting the number of items that have the word "adapter" at the end and the number of "TCP/IP" items you have. If there are more than one "TCP/IP" items listed for any given adapter, remove them.

Another thing to check is to make sure that you have at least one TCP/IP and dial-up adapter installed. In some cases, although rare, these are not installed. The adapter can be installed by clicking "add" and then "adapter" and then dial-up adapter. TCP/IP can be installed by doing the following sequence: "add" --> "protocol" --> "Microsoft" --> "TCP/IP."

3. I keep getting this message about my Dial-up adapter not functioning correctly...

First off, you should check to make sure that your modem is securely plugged in if you have an external modem and that it is turned on. If you have an internal modem, this should not be a concern.

If it just simply isn't working, go to your networks control panel. Simply remove the dial-up adapter and re-install the adapter. This can be done by doing the following: Add --> adapter --> add --> Microsoft --> Dial-up adapter. Youšll have to go back and add the TCP/IP protocol as outlined in the directions. Beyond that, make sure that your modem is connected correctly. You can do so by trying such programs as Hyperterminal. If you need help doing so, refer to the help files or call the Help Desk at 831-6300.

4. It dials out, but it gives me a message saying my password is invalid.

The first thing that you need to check is your username. Even though it says your password is invalid, it is probably a problem with your username. Make sure that your username is all lowercase and contains no spaces. Please also make sure that your username is correct. For example, John A. Smith might have the user name of jsmith, jasmith, or smith, or a number of other possibilities. If you donšt know your username, go to a computer lab on campus and login as ruwhois. Just as a small reminder, as mentioned previously: your password, if you have never logged in before, is your six digit RU ID number.

If you have any other questions, please call the Help Desk at (540) 831-6300.

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