How to Fix Connection Failed With Error 651
Encountering the "Connection Failed with Error 651" is a common issue for Windows users, especially when trying to establish a network connection via broadband or dial-up connections. In this guide, we'll go through the causes and provide solutions to help you fix Error 651 and get your network connection back up and running.
1. Restart Your Modem and Computer
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. A temporary issue with the modem or your PC can trigger Error 651. This can happen when either the device or the system gets stuck in a network handshake process.
Turn off your computer and modem.
Wait for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Turn on the modem first and wait for the lights to stabilize.
After the modem is fully initialized, turn on your computer.
Try to connect to the network again and check if the issue persists.
2. Check and Reinstall Network Drivers
One of the most common causes of Error 651 is outdated, corrupted, or missing network drivers. This can prevent Windows from successfully establishing a connection to the Internet.
If you're unsure about which driver to install, using a dedicated tool like Driver Sentry can simplify the process by automatically identifying and installing the correct drivers for your system.
Download and install Driver Sentry.
Run the software to scan for outdated or missing drivers.
After the scan is complete, click "Upgrade" to automatically install the correct network drivers.
Restart your computer after the installation and attempt to reconnect.
3. Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter
Sometimes, the network adapter can become stuck in a state where it doesn't function properly. Disabling and re-enabling the network adapter can help reset its configuration and re-establish a stable connection.
Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting "Device Manager".
Expand the "Network Adapters" section.
Right-click your network adapter and select Disable device.
Wait for a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.
Try connecting to the network again to see if the error is resolved.
4. Reset TCP/IP Stack
If there are issues with your TCP/IP configuration, this can prevent you from successfully connecting to the Internet. The TCP/IP stack is the backbone of your network connection, and resetting it can resolve many network-related problems.
Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
In the command prompt, type the following command:
netsh int ip reset
Press Enter. After the command is executed, restart your computer.
Check if the error 651 persists when attempting to reconnect.
5. Update Windows to the Latest Version
Sometimes, Windows updates contain fixes for known network issues, including Error 651. If you haven't updated Windows for a while, it's worth checking to see if any updates are available.
Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Click Check for Updates.
If updates are available, allow Windows to download and install them.
Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
6. Check Your ISP Settings
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has specific settings for connecting to the network, such as PPPoE credentials, you may encounter Error 651 if the settings are misconfigured or missing.
Open Network and Sharing Center by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting "Open Network & Internet Settings".
Click Change adapter settings.
Right-click your broadband connection and select Properties.
Go to the Networking tab and check that your ISP's connection type and credentials (such as username and password) are entered correctly.
If necessary, contact your ISP for assistance with the correct settings.
By following the methods outlined above, you can quickly resolve this issue. Additionally, using Driver Sentry for automatic driver updates can ensure that your network drivers are always up to date, which is key to maintaining a stable Internet connection.
See also:
Fix Windows 10 Bad Image Error
Easy Ways to Fix the kernelbase.dll Error
