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!

[tonybeard]

Try TuneUp utilities trial it is a good diagnostic. Go to system and check tthat there are no exclamation marks next to the relevent drivers http://www.tune-up.com

[victwenty]

Cheers Tony - will give it a go
Watch this space

[victwenty]

Nice util - but alas still getting 721 and unable to connect.
No exlamation marks next to drivers either.
I have tried searching on the net for people with similar problem - ISP's just advise setting up new connection via Network Connections, re-installing drivers etc. None of these things have worked for me 😞
What on earth can it be?
I have thought about re-installing XP but that would take it back to the original version minus all the hundreds of updates - and what if it STILL doesn't do the trick??!

[GBS]

Have you tried these options.

Error 721 solutions - Intel.

Failing that Google "Error 721 remote computer not responding errors" and you will get a list of other solutions.

Good luck, I hope you get it sorted soon

[kee-lo_]

I think going into device manager and checking for yellow exclaimation marks might help.

[victwenty]

Hi there - thanks for your suggestions.
Still no joy... no exclamation marks anywhere. By process of elimination it must be either a problem with XP or perhaps a USB issue? The modems work ok with my desktop.
Will try the Intel link above but I have kind of tried this work around already. SO frustrating. It just suddenly stopped working one day!
IF i do an XP re-install then it will go back to XP from years ago when I got my laptop - any ideas of how to install it with SP2 etc?
thanks!

[kee-lo_]

Vic

Try uninstalling the USB hub in Device Manager and restarting your VAIO

[victwenty]

ok - have the lap top in front of me now
There are TWO..

USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller

I shall try it on both

[victwenty]

Just tried and still no joy... ARGH !
I have even tried connecting it through the same filter/socket where my desk top is = still error 721

I can only think of wiping the machine and starting again. The foot through the screen if that doesn't work though. There *must* be a work around without having to start again surely?