Common Problems and Error Messages
Why Do I Get the Message “Error Opening Preferences?”

A preference file is used by many programs to record settings and other variables..

For instance, when you configure PPP the information you enter and selections you make are recorded in PPP Preferences, a file which is located in the Preferences folder of your System Folder.

Preference files are known to be occasionally subject to errors. The message “Error opening preferences” is evidence that the PPP Preferences file may be corrupted or is no longer readable.

To replace the PPP Preferences file

1. Throw away PPP Preferences, and empty the trash.

2. Restart your computer.

3. Open and Configure Config PPP.

When Connecting, Why Do I Get the Message “Time Out Waiting on: OK?”

MacPPP was unable to communicate with the modem. First, make sure that the modem is turned on and plugged into the modem port. Next, ensure that you are using a valid initialization string; check your modem manual for suggestions. You may also need to disable automatically-answering fax software, restart your computer.

Error: PPP Wait Timeout Waiting for "ogin:"

This error indicates that your PPP Preferences are configured incorrectly. You should configure Config PPP for Authentication (PAP) as your connection method instead of using a Connect Script.

1. Open the Config PPP control panel, located in the Control Panels folder under the Apple menu.

2. Press the Connect Script button.

3. Blank all fields, uncheck all boxes on the right, and make sure that all OUT boxes are checked on the left.

4. Click OK.

5. Press the Authentication button.

6. Enter your MS number next to Auth. ID:

7. Enter your password next to Password:(use lower-case letters in the Authentication window.)

8. Click OK.

9. Try re-connecting.

Why Do I Get the Message “Link Dead?”

This message means that your computer was unable to complete the connection. First, try to connect again. If that doesn't work, check your Config PPP settings and make sure they are correct.

When Connecting, Why Does a Blank Box Appear When I Click "Open"?

The box that appears is a Terminal Window which allows direct user input to the modem. Config PPP should be configured, however, so that no Terminal Window is needed.

How To Turn Off The Terminal Window

1. First, click cancel to make the window disappear.

2. Next un-check the Terminal Window box on the Config PPP control panel.

When I Connect, Everything Seems to Go Okay, but Config PPP Still Says “PPP Down.”

Sometimes the Config PPP screen doesn't update itself. Try closing and reopening Config PPP. If it does not say “PPP Up”, you are most likely not connected. Try connecting again.

Why Is The Open Button Grayed-Out?

Assuming that you are not currently connected, a grayed-out Open button suggests that MacTCP or TCP/IP is not configured correctly. See the CocoNet links MacTCP and TCP/IP for the Mac.

Error: PPP Close Time Out

If you click on Disconnect, and you've already been disconnected, you may receive this error message. Some causes for a premature disconnect include:

• No activity for 30 minutes
• The modem was turned off
• Forced disconnect caused by call waiting

Error: PPP Wait: Timeout While Waiting for "Connect"

When you receive this error message, it is usually because the phone line is not hooked up to the modem. Verify that the phone line is connected from the wall to the modem as described in your modem's documentation.

Error: An Error Occurred While Initializing the Serial Port. It May Already Be in Use.

You may be trying to use the printer port instead of the modem port. In the CocoNet PPP Preferences (Pressing the configure button and switching the serial port) or the Config PPP control panel (under the Apple menu), select the port that your modem is connected to and try again. Also, disable any fax or other communications software you may have on your system. These programs can conflict with each other and restrict the modem's use by other programs. You may also need to disable Appletalk from the Chooser (under the Apple menu).

Symptom: The FreePPP Connection Status Window Appears, But It Stops at "Dialing"

If your modem cable is not connected to the modem, or if the phone line is not attached to the modem, then FreePPP will hang at the dialing portion of the connection procedure. When this happens, verify that the modem cable is connected from the modem to the proper port on the Macintosh, and that the phone line is plugged into a working telephone jack. IF possible, you may want to try unplugging the phone cord from the modem and then plugging it into a hand phone to listen for a dial tone. When plugging the phone cord back into the modem, make sure you plug the phone cord into the proper modem jack if there is more than one.

MacPPP 2.01 and Open Transport for the Macintosh

Open Transport, released initially with system 7.5.2, is the networking environment for the Macintosh and Power Macintosh. MacPPP 2.01, which was developed for use with MacTCP does not operate correctly within this environment. If you are using system 7.5.2, or later with Open Transport networking, you will need to obtain a copy of FreePPP.  (Note: If your version of OT is earlier than 1.1, you will need to obtain a current version from Apple Computer, Inc.).

How to Change the Phone Number Your PPP Software Dials

1. On Config PPP (located in the Control Panels folder under the Apple menu), click Config.

2. Delete the contents of the Phone num line, and type the new phone number to dial.

3. Click Done.

How to Make MacPPP Ask for Your Password Each Time You Connect.

For reasons of security, some people wish to require that their password be entered before each connection attempt. There are two steps necessary to achieve this:

1. Your Connect Script must be inactivated

2. PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) must be activated.

To inactivate your Connect Script

1. On the ConfigPPP control panel, click Config.

2. Click Connect Script.

3. On the left side, select Out on every line.

4. On the right side, de-select any selected boxes under CR.

5. Erase the contents of the text fields in the center.

6. Click OK.

To activate PAP

1. Click LCP Options.

2. On the line which reads Authentication (PAP) select Want and Will under Remote.

3. Click OK.

4. Click Authentication.

5. Enter your username in the first line.Make sure to use lower-case letters.

6. Click OK.

7. Click Done.