Remote Access Errors 657 and 659 with Dial-Up Networking

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

If you use a script to connect to a remote server with Dial-Up Networking, you may receive one of the following error messages:

• Error 657: The device.INF file could not be opened.
• Error 659: The media.INI file refers to an unknown device name.

CAUSE

These errors can occur if one or more of the remote access configuration files is missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you have modified the original configuration files for the Remote Access service in any way, you should back up the files before proceeding. For example, if you modified the Modem.inf file to add information for an unsupported modem, or if you modified the Switch.inf file to create a script to connect to your Internet service provider (ISP), make sure to back up these files.

To resolve this issue, replace the damaged files by removing and reinstalling the Remote Access service.

MORE INFORMATION

When you receive one of the error messages stated above, you can click Redial, Cancel, or More Info. If you click More Info, you see the following information:

   One of the Remote Access configuration files probably contains
   invalid information. The easiest way to resolve this problem is to
   reinstall Remote Access.

   If you are using a modem that is not supported by Remote Access,
   switch to a supported modem, or see Overview of Modem Script File for
   information about modifying the modem script file for your modem. The
   Remote Access script files (PAD.INF, MODEM.INF, and SWITCH.INF) are
   in the \SYSTEM32\RAS subdirectory of your Windows NT directory.