Windows XP SP2 causes Error 678 or Error 769 when you try to surf the Internet

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Symptoms

After you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you receive one of the following error messages when you try to connect to the Internet:

• Error 678 "The remote computer did not respond"

• Error 769 "The specified destination is not reachable"

Cause

Typically, you may receive these error messages when one of the following conditions is true:

• A network cable is disconnected.

• The modem has been disabled.

• The modem drivers are corrupted.

• Spyware is running on the computer and is interfering with the connection.

• Winsock has to be repaired.

• Third-party firewall software is blocking the connection.

Resolution

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps.


Step 1: Make sure that the network cable is connected

Make sure that the network cable is connected to the computer and to the modem. If your computer connects to a hub or to a router, make sure that the cable that connects the hub or the router to the modem is connected.


Step 2: Make sure that the network adapter is enabled

1. Click Start, click Run, type ncpa.cpl, and then click
   OK.

2. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon. Click Enable if the option is available.

Step 3: Reset the modem

1. Disconnect the cable that goes from the computer to the modem.

2. Turn off the modem. If the modem does not have a power switch, disconnect the power supply from the modem.

3. Wait two minutes.

4. Turn on the modem, and then connect the cable that goes from the computer to the modem.

Step 4: Uninstall and then reinstall the modem and the drivers by using Device Manager

Before you follow these steps, you may have to download the latest driver for your network adapter from the hardware manufacturer.

1. Click
   Start, click Run, type
   sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.

2. Click the Hardware tab, click
   Device Manager, and then locate Network Adapters.

3. Expand Network Adapters, and then right-click the icon for your network adapter.

4. Click Uninstall, and then click
   OK.

5. In the dialog box that prompts you to remove the files that are associated with this device, click Yes.

6. Restart the computer. Or, click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes.

7. If Windows finds the device but does not recognize it, you must install the latest driver for your network adapter.

If you have a Realtek 8139 network adapter, updating the driver seems to resolve this issue.

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

Step 5: Create a new DSL or cable connection

1. Click
   Start, click Run, type
   ncpa.cpl, and then click OK.

2. Click Create a new connection under
   Network Tasks. Click Next when the wizard starts.

3. Click Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.

4. Click Set up my connection manually, and then click Next.

5. Select Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user name and password, and then click
   Next.

6. Follow the remaining steps. Use the connection information from your Internet service provider (ISP) to complete the wizard.

Note You may have to use software that is supplied by your ISP to create the new connection.


Step 6: Repair Winsock and TCP/IP

1. Click Start, click
   Run, type netsh winsock reset, and then press Enter.

2. When the Command Prompt window flashes, restart the computer.
   
   Warning Programs that access or monitor the Internet, such as antivirus, firewall, or proxy clients, may be adversely affected when you run the netsh winsock reset command. If you have a program that no longer functions correctly after you use this solution, reinstall the program to restore functionality.

Step 7: Temporarily uninstall third-party firewalls

Some third-party firewall software such as ZoneAlarm and Norton Personal Firewall may cause Internet connectivity issues on computers that are running Windows XP SP2. You may have to temporarily uninstall these programs to test the computer. Disabling these programs may not be sufficient for testing. Make sure that you have the CD or the installation files so that you can reinstall the programs later. If these programs are causing the problem, you may have to contact the program vendor if you need help with the settings for that program.

Note You may want to verify that the Windows XP firewall is enabled before you remove the third-party firewall program.


Step 8: Scan for and remove spyware and adware

We recommend that you install Windows Defender. To obtain Windows Defender or to obtain additional information about tools that you can use to remove unwanted software from your computer, visit the Microsoft Safety and Security website.




Step 9: Clear the temporary Internet files

1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer.

2. Click Tools, and then click
   Internet Options.

3. On the General tab, click Delete Files.

4. Click OK in the Delete Files dialog box, and then click OK.

More Information

If you are using Microsoft broadband hardware, you may have to install software and firmware updates. For more information about how to obtain these updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

814445 MSBBN: How to update the firmware and software for your Microsoft Broadband Networking device

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.