[Solved] Internet access Problem - error 718

[Bazza]

Have not been able to access virginmedia 24/7 dial up for 2 days in windows 7. Pauses at the verifying user name and password window then keeps showing an "error 718" error message saying that it could not connect in a timely manner. is this a problem with windows 7, the Isp or is there som other technical issue eg boot virus preventing issue.

Can't seem to get hold of anyone at virginmedia~

Please help

[Jelly Bean]

Hello Bazza.

 

I found this for you:

 

http://help.virginmedia.com/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1002&PARTITION_ID=1&TIMEZONE_OFFSET=&USERTYPE=1&VM_CUSTOMER_TYPE=National&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=2194

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/319116

[Bazza]

thanks for the links. Tried the solutions offered, no joy i am afraid. tried on a different pc and still getting the same problem. Any further ideas????

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Bazza, from what you say, it is a dial up connection and not broadband?

Considering you have now tried a different computer, and therefore I assume a different dialler, providing the correct account password and user name was used, I think it is now an ISP or connection problem.

Are you using the ordinary telephone line? If so, lift the telephone receiver and listen, is there any crackling noises on the line?

If there is noise, and the line is a BT one, you need them to fix the line, but check all internal connections in your home first.

If the line is perfectly quiet with only the normal dialling tone, then get in touch with your ISP.

 

Nev.

[Jelly Bean]

Wait.

 

BT will charge you £99-99 for a call out to check and possibly replace the internal box.Thats is what they told me they would charge me just for a front cover.

 

First thing to do is take the lower front cover off and use the test socket.Just undo the 2 screws you should see the socket under that.If you can get a good connection then all you need to do is use the test socket until YOU buy a front cover.

[BreatGritain]

When you remove the front cover on a master telephone socket you're actually disconnecting all telephone extensions in the house. If its clear using the underneath socket the chances are its not the face plate itself that is faulty, but an extension wire running from the face plate to somewhere else in the house. If this is the case you should consider removing the extensions one by one and testing to see which is at fault, then permanently removing the offending cables.

[Plastic Nev]

a good point BreatGritain (Gotta love that user name :D ) It reminds me of the time my lines went like that and it was due to the extension cable out to my workshop had been damaged.

 

However, some time previously to that, and after I did the checking of all the house system, the BT engineer found the fault was in a junction box two streets away, so no charge was made to me on that occasion as the fault was definitely on their line and property, not mine.

 

Nev.

[Bazza]

Thanks - for your help

 

It was not a problem with my phone line as I had it checked by BT free of charge (of course), but with Virginmedia's servers. Seems now to have corrected itself after flagging up the problem to their technical team & spending a fortune in phone calls to their premium rate helpline.

 

In response to their useless customer service & speed of response I cancelled my virginmedia contract forthwith. Since then I have managed to obtain (by haggling) an even better unlimited broadband deal for less than I was paying them.

 

Thanks for all your help & ideas - much appreciated

[KenB]

Thanks for the feedback.

Good to hear that your "problem" has been fixed :)