Microsoft Knowledge Base

The information in this article applies to:

• The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to Internet and The Microsoft Network, you may receive the following error message:

   Cannot locate the MSN data center.

CAUSE

If you have a static IP address or gateway associated with your dial-up adapter, you cannot connect to Internet and The Microsoft Network. (Note that you can use a static IP address and gateway for TCP/IP bound to a LAN adapter because these settings are adapter-specific.)

To check the IP address and gateway, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Network.

3. Click either TCP/IP (if you do not have a network card) or TCP/IP Dial-Up Adapter (if you have a network card).

4. Click Properties.

5. Click the IP Address tab.

6. Click Obtain An IP Address Automatically.

7. Click the Gateway tab.

8. Make sure no gateways are listed.

RESOLUTION

On the IP Address tab, click Obtain An IP Address Automatically. On the Gateway tab, make sure no gateways are listed.

NOTE: If you are using RNA to connect to another dial-up access provider, this resolution will invalidate the setup for that provider. To fix the settings for the other provider, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Dial-Up Networking.

2. Use the right mouse button to click the icon for the other Internet service provider.

3. Click Properties.

4. Click Server Type.

5. Click TCP/IP Settings.

6. Enter the fixed IP address and DNS server address required by the other provider.

7. Click OK until you return to Windows.