RAS ErrMsg: Error 692: Hardware Failure in Port or Attached... (116053)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
This article was previously published under Q116053

SYMPTOMS

When you dial a Remote Access Services (RAS) server, the modem starts to initialize and then the following error message is displayed:
Error 692: Hardware failure in port or attached device.
Or, when you try to manually dial a RAS server, the following error message appears after you choose the Done button:
all devices connected
The computer then stops responding (hangs).

NOTE: In this situation, other Windows-based communication applications (such as Windows for Workgroups Terminal) appear to work correctly.

CAUSE

These error messages occur if RAS cannot correctly communicate with the modem. There are several possible causes:

  • The modem is turned off or malfunctioning. Try resetting the modem.
  • The serial cable is incorrect. If you suspect this is the case, refer to the "Cabling Requirements" section in Help for more information about requirements for correct cabling.
  • If the serial cable is loose. Remove the cable and then reattach it.
  • The handshaking options for the modem need to be adjusted.
  • The modem is unsupported, or the chosen emulation may be incorrect.

    RAS uses a file called MODEM.INF in the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory to send the right communication strings to the modem through the selected modem in RAS. Use a text editor, such as Windows Write, with the No Conversion option selected to open the MODEM.INF file. Then find the modem you have selected in RAS and check the COMMAND_INIT string, which is the communication string RAS sends to set up the modem for communication. Refer to the modem documentation or check with the modem manufacturer for the correct communication string for your modem.
  • You did not choose the correct modem for use with RAS. Check your modem installation as follows:

    1. Choose the RAS icon in the Network group.
    2. Choose Setup from the menu list.
    3. Select Configure.
    4. Check the device selected and the port to which it is assigned.
  • The COMM.DRV file located in the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory is not the one that ships with Windows for Workgroups version 3.11. See the appropriate section below.
  • You are using an XJACK modem and need an updated MODEM.INF file. See the appropriate section below.
  • You are using an GVC FM14400 modem need an updated MODEM.INF file. See the appropriate section below.
  • You are using a US-Robotics 14400 Sportster. See the appropriate section below.
If you are not using one of the above modems, or if you are using one of them but have followed the procedures in this article without success, use the steps in the next section to try to isolate the problem.

MORE INFORMATION

Checking for the Correct COMM.DRV File

The COMM.DRV file that ships with Windows for Workgroups 3.11 has a file date of 11/01/93 and a file size of 5968 bytes. If the COMM.DRV file is incorrect, rename it and then expand a new copy from Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Disk 2 (for both the 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disk sets) by using the following command

expand <drive letter>:\comm.dr_ c:\windows\system\comm.drv

where <drive letter> names the drive containing Disk 2.

You Are Using an XJACK Modem and Need an Updated MODEM.INF File

Obtain the new MODEM.INF file that Megahertz has written for its PCMCIA modems. The file can be found in the Modem Vendor forum on CompuServe (go modemvend) in the MEGAHERTZ library. The file to download is RASDRI.EXE.

To install the new MODEM.INF file, rename the original MODEM.INF in the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory, and copy the new file to that same directory.

You Are Using a GVC FM14400 Modem

Obtain the new GVC MODEM.INF file from the GVC bulletin board service (BBS). The file to download is WFWRA.EXE.

To install the new MODEM.INF file, rename the original MODEM.INF in the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory, and copy the new file to that same directory.

You Are Using a US-Robotics 14400 Sportster or Courier V.32bis

NOTE: Microsoft does not encourage nor support user changes to .INF files; therefore, Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) does not support the procedure in this article. Although we have tested the following procedure and it appears to function as described; we strongly recommend that you make a backup copy of your .INF file before you proceed.

To correct this problem, edit the modem initialization entry (COMMAND_INIT=) in the [US Robotics Sportster 14400] or [US Robotics Courier V.32bis] section of the MODEM.INF file as follows:

  1. Run Microsoft Windows for Workgroups Write and open the MODEM.INF file.
  2. Choose the No Conversion button.
  3. From the Find menu, choose Find.
  4. In the Find What box, type [US Robotics Sportster 14400] or [US Robotics Courier V.32bis], and then choose Find Next.
  5. Choose Cancel and then change "AT&F" to "ATZ&F" and add X7. For example, change

    COMMAND_INIT=AT&F&C1&D2 V1 S0=0 S2=128 S7=55 W1 S95=44

    to:

    COMMAND_INIT=ATZ&F&C1&D2 X7 V1 S0=0 S2=128 S7=55 W1

    S95=44
  6. Save the MODEM.INF file.
  7. Quit and restart RAS Phonebook.

    This issues a reset command that resets the modem to the factory defaults.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/18/1999
Keywords:KB116053
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.