Message "cannot find PPoE server" after starting up

Question

Message "cannot find PPoE server" after starting up

I installed Airport express a couple of weeks ago and all was initially ok. Now, whenever I start up my IMac , after sleep or shutdown, a message comes up saying "Cannot find PPPoE server" and I cannot connect to the internet - although Internet Connect shows that the Airport connection is ok. After about 10 mins, the problem stops and I can then connect ok.
I also have an ongoing difficulty with the System Preference Network settings. A message says that the settings have been altered by another application./ Its not possible to access the Network settings as the message continues to reappear and I have to force quit.

IMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 18, 2009 1:55 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,190 points

Nov 18, 2009 2:01 PM in response to evangelinestone

Hello evangelinestone. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!

Now, whenever I start up my IMac , after sleep or shutdown, a message comes up saying "Cannot find PPPoE server" and I cannot connect to the internet - although Internet Connect shows that the Airport connection is ok. After about 10 mins, the problem stops and I can then connect ok.

Does your Internet Service Provider (ISP) require that you submit credentials (username & password) before you are granted access to their Internet service? If so, this is typically done using PPPoE.

PPPoE would need to be configured on the device directly connected to their Internet service. This can be a modem, router, or computer itself. If this isn't configured properly, then the error you are seeing would be a typical symptom.

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Answer 2

Nov 18, 2009 2:19 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks for this. What would I need to do to check that all is configured correctly? I'm not sure if this is the problem though as I've been using the same ISP for some years and my computer (and modem provided by the ISP) has been set up to access this and was doing this automatically without needing further input of credentials. Also, it does connect fine after 10mins .

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Answer 3

Nov 18, 2009 3:16 PM in response to evangelinestone

Internet Connect shows the computer attempting and failing to connect through the Built in Ethernet ,even though it is already successfully connected via Airport. This seems to be happening as a default action. The password and user name appearing for the built in ethernet predate my current ISP - they seem to have returned as a default and I can't alter them.( I looked at the connection log and the local IP address 10.64.64.64 and the remote IP address 10.112.112.112. )What I seem to need to do is stop my computer attempting to connect via built in ethernet when the airport is connecting fine. Any suggestions how?

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Answer 4

Tesserax

Level 10

158,190 points

Nov 18, 2009 3:36 PM in response to evangelinestone

What would I need to do to check that all is configured correctly?

I would suggest confirming that the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) is configured properly to provide the PPPoE information to your ISP. (ref: AirPort Utility > Manual Setup > Internet > Internet Connection)

Check that Connect Using = PPPoE, and that, the appropriate information is provided for the other fields on this page. On the PPPoE tab page, be sure these fields are correct as well.

I'm not sure if this is the problem though as I've been using the same ISP for some years and my computer (and modem provided by the ISP) has been set up to access this and was doing this automatically without needing further input of credentials.

... and this may not be the issue, but I just wanted to rule out any incorrect settings as being the culprit.

Also, it does connect fine after 10mins

The fact that you are experiencing this after starting up may indicate that the problem may not be with the AX at all, but with the network settings on the Mac.

I suggest, creating a new user account. Log off your current account, and then, log back on with this new account. Does the problem continue?

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Answer 5

Tesserax

Level 10

158,190 points

Nov 18, 2009 3:38 PM in response to evangelinestone

Internet Connect shows the computer attempting and failing to connect through the Built in Ethernet ,even though it is already successfully connected via Airport. This seems to be happening as a default action.

Since you are using a wireless connection to the AX, I would suggest disabling the built-in Ethernet service. In addition, you should move AirPort to the top of the list, if it isn't there already.

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