Remote Access Service - Error 714: Configuration Error (108808)

SYMPTOMS

When you start the Remote Access Services (RAS) client program for Windows for Workgroups version 3.11, the following error message is displayed:

Error 714: Configuration error.
Make sure you logged on from Windows and not from MS-DOS.

-or-

RAS.EXE caused a General Protection Fault in module RASFILE.DLL at 0001:XXXX.

If you try to start RAS a second time after you receive the general protection (GP) fault, the following error message is displayed:

Cannot start RASPHONE. Make sure the RASPHONE.EXE file is in the \WINDOWS directory, and restart Remote Access.

NOTE: This error can also occur when "net start" is not in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file or NET.EXE is corrupted. You can also receive this error message if IFSHLP.SYS is not loaded or you start Windows for Workgroups 3.11 with the /N switch.

CAUSE

These errors are caused either by a missing or corrupted SERIAL.INI file, or by blank lines at the beginning of the SERIAL.INI file. This file is in the Windows directory. Error 714 generally occurs when the SERIAL.INI file is missing; the GP fault occurs if the SERIAL.INI file is corrupted.

The SERIAL.INI file is used to store the configuration information for the RAS client program.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, re-create the SERIAL.INI file as follows:

In the Network group, start Network Setup.
Choose the Drivers button.
Select Remote Access Service [NDIS3] and then choose the Setup button.
Select the appropriate device for the COM port you will be using.
Choose the OK button, then exit Network Setup.