Error 721

I have Windows XP and a 56K modem on my computer. Sometimes when I attempt to connect to the internet, after the screen says "Verifying username and password ", the screen then says "Error 721. Could not connect ". What is Error 721? Thank you.

 

To Steve R Jones: Yes, but it is annoying to try two or three times. Sometimes I have to re-boot the computer to get a connection. Is there anything I can do about this? Thank you.

 

Hi all.

Good suggestions. When the internet started to explode with users a few years ago this popped up a lot. The great majority of the time it was because the service provider didn't have enough computer power to process the username/password. People were connecting but the username/password never got verified and the computer timed out. You just have to wait your turn to get into the computer or for a slot to open up. If it happens more in the afternoon/evening then that would probably be the problem because they are busier then.

If there are other providers locally, spend 15-20 bucks and get it for a month and try it. You might find one that is smooth. I would suggest looking into Earthlink if it is available. Try it a month and see if there is a difference in response.

Also, hover your mouse over the contact icon in the tray and see what the connect speed is. If it is around 45-48 consistently then your phone lines are ok. If it jumps around a lot, from the 30s to 40s then the lines usually have a bit of noise on them. However, if you connected to your ISP then the lines are good enough for your username and password to be transmitted and the problem then is with the ISP.

Forgot to add this. If you get to the point where your computer says "Verifying username and password ", then you have successfully connected to your ISP and your computer is just waiting for a valid signon. At that point, your computer is good, your modem is good, your phone lines are good and you have transmitted both ways to negotiate the speed of the connection, and your username and password have been transmitted to your ISP. The only thing that is holding up the process is your ISP's computer looking up your username and password on their systems to verify giving your computer a workable connection.

You can also setup a dial in to another ISP that you don't have an account with. Look up the access numbers on his site. Put in any ole' username and password and dial in. It won't let you in because you don't have a valid username/password, but if you get the same response as with your ISP then it's the same problem. Your ISP isn't recognizing your username/password.