Windows Dial-Up and DSL- Error 678 Troubleshooting Guide (for Earthlink)

It's possible that the access number you are dialing is having technical difficulties or is congested. For instructions click here.

If the area code and dialing properties are set incorrectly, this error may results. For instructions on how to disable them click here.

Note: If you are an ISDN customer, depending on your location, you may need to set the dialer to dial 7, 10, or 11 digits. Make sure you enter the number as required by your local Telephone Company.

This error can be caused by Lucent WinModem drivers being corrupt or not up to date. Disabling error control in the modem properties can temporarily fix this issue, but once you are connected update the driver immediatly.

For instructions on how to disable error control click here.

For instructions on how to update the modem driver click here.

Turn off your computer and your DSL modem. (Some of our DSL modem do not have a power switch, so you would have to unplug the power cable). Check the connection of the ethernet cable (this is the cable that runs from your computer to the DSL modem). Disconnect both ends of the cable, inspect the cable for obvious damage, and reconnect the cable. Follow the same steps for the phone cable and power cable.

Turn on your DSL modem. Wait 30 seconds and turn on your computer. When the power on sequence is completed, attempt to connect.

Any changes, such as updates or new installation of firewall or Internet security software may cause this error. Disable any sirewall or Internet security software and attempt to connect. For instruction on how to do this, consult your documentation or contact the program vendor.

In some cases, a disabled NIC can be the cause of error 678. You can find out if the NIC is enabled or disabled by going to the Control Panel, System, Hardware tab, Device Manager. Then, click on the plus sign next to network adapters and the NIC card should show up there with a red "X" next to it. If you do not see network adapters as an option, go to the View menu and make sure it is set to view by type. If it is, a LAN connection has not been setup. You can also go to the Control Panel, Network Connections, the Local Area Connection will have a red "X" if the NIC is disabled. In order to enable the NIC, right-click on the icon for the adapter in Device manager or the LAN connection and choose enable from the menu. Make sure you delete and reformat the broadband connection after the NIC is enabled.

The PPPoE connection may have become corrupt. Deleting the old PPPoE connection and creating a new one can solve this problem. For instructions click here.

A location with an area code may not exist. This may be due to the fact that the computer never had a modem. For instructions on how to add a modem with a New Location click here.

This error may occur if another PPPoE client has previously been installed or if the TCP/IP stack has become corrupted. For instructions click here.

Incompatible protocols can cause your Network Interface Card (NIC) and the DSL modem to have trouble communicating. Changing the settings can correct this problem. For instructions click here.

This typically shows up as Error 731, but it has been seen to cause Error 678. For instructions click here.