Have new Dell Inspiron 546 computer with Windows 7. Keep getting Error Code 651 when attempting to connect to Comcast High Speed internet. Have no idea what this code is! Connecting through RCA-DCM305 stand alone Modem. Have tried USB and Ethernet cables and still get code and not connection. Tried shutting off new computer and powercycling modem. I can switch back to existing old computer and can connect everytime. New computer has not internal modem.
Comcast Tech said no modem driver are needed is I use ethernet cable. Still no luck. Help with suggestions. Have gone thru all FAQ's. Also when I am online to Comcast, it go's nowhere when you enter Windows 7 questions.
Where are you getting this code? When does it show up? What is the EXACT error message? 651 is an error usually associated with dialup modems.
Comcast is correct, no driver is needed when using ethernet. Do NOT use USB. Try this:
Shutdown the PC.
Disconnect the PC from the cable modem.
Remove the power cord on the modem for a minute, then plug it back it. Let it sync up with Comcast.
Plug The PC's ethernet port (not a PHONE port) into the ethernet port on the cable modem using a good ethernet cable (not a phone cable, they are different).
Power up the PC.
It should now be connected and online. Open your browser and go to http://www.comcast.net. Do you see the Comcast home page? If not, tell us exactly what you do see.
You directions proved successful. Instead of just pushing the off button on the modem I unplugged the main power per your instructions. Followed the sequence you supplied and it finally worked!
I am having a nearly identical problem. I have a new HP Pavilion PC and cannot connect. When I use the connection wizard and choose Broadband, I get a window asking for my user name and password. The machine searches and then says Error Code 651. Using my old computer, I contacted the live chat help desk last night and a tech had me power cycle and also enter commands into the Command Prompt. After an hour, she told me to complete the sequence again and then use a link she gave me to get back to her. Her instructions didn't work and neither did the link. So I logged into chat again and got a different tech who promised to solve my problem and then "left the room." I don't know what she did but I suddenly had no Internet connection at all.
I called the 24 hour number and a girl tried to reset the modem but couldn't. She said it had a "permanent block" and a technician would have to do it this morning. She also said she'd call me this afternoon to make sure my problems were solved. I wasn't reconnected and she never called. So I called again and talked to a young man who confirmed the block and said I would be reconnected in 24-72 hours! I am furious that I may have to wait three days for Comcast to solve a problem their tech caused.
Anyhow, I will still have the connection problem with the new computer when I get cable back. I don't understand the ethernet advice. My old computer has a USB connection to the modem. Will that not work on the new one?
My old computer has a USB connection to the modem. Will that not work on the new one?
The USB connection will work only if the modem's USB driver is installed on the new computer. But don't use USB. USB can be flaky. Use ethernet. Ethernet was made for connecting networking hardware. And never use those wizards. They are not needed. Are all your devices being powercycled in the proper sequence ? Is there a home networking router in the mix ?
Thanks for your response, EG. I have a stand alone PC with no network or router. If I buy an ethernet cable, will both the modem and the new PC recognize it or is there some process I'll need to go through to prepare for it? As for the power cycling, I followed the tech's instructions which were to disconnect the power, wait a couple minutes, reconnect and then reboot. Is that correct?
Assuming the your computer has a working ethernet adapter (most do), there is nothing you need to do to make it work with your cable modem, just follow the instructions as above. As EG says, stay far away from those wizards, they are not needed and in many cases can lead you into some real problems.
Your reboot is correct for a non-telephony cable modem. If you have Comcast's Digital Voice service and your phone is conencted through your cable modem, then you need to reset the Reset button on the modem since removing the power cable does nothing as the modem has internal battery backup in case of power failure.
I have a simple cable connection, no voice/telephony. If I ever get my service back, I will do as you recommend. Thank you very much for your response.
Comcast finally restored my cable connection this afternoon. Using the above advice, I connected the modem to my new PC with an ethernet cable and it worked perfectly. I wish I had come to this forum with my question before consulting the supposed experts at Live Chat. Thank you both very much for your help.
