One of the most common VPN errors is “Error 734: The PPP Link Control Protocol Was Terminated.” This error usually occurs whenever you try to establish a Point-to-Point Protocol or PPP dial-up connection using your VPN. As a result, users are unable to create a dial-up connection.
According to Microsoft, error 734 can be caused by two scenarios: when the multi-link negotiation is switched on even though you’re using a single-link connection, or when there’s incorrect security configuration, prompting users to use password setting.
Error 734 is a very common VPN error, and aside from the two causes listed down by Microsoft, this error can also happen due to other reasons, such as registry conflicts, overprotective firewall, or bugs.
We listed down below several ways to fix VPN error 734 to help you establish your dial-up connection successfully.
How to Fix VPN Error 734
Before you try to fix VPN error 734, it is important to confirm that the problem is not caused by your internet connection or your computer. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet and that all other programs are closed before you troubleshoot your VPN. It is also important that you type in the correct username and password for your VPN and ensure that Caps Lock is not on.
Free VPNs are more prone to errors like this, so it is smarter to invest in a reliable VPN, even if you have to pay a small fee for the service. Paid VPNs, such as Outbyte VPN, offer premium services and have a dedicated support team to help users resolve VPN issues.
The success of these methods rely on the actual cause of the error. So if you have an idea of what may be causing your problem, focus on the solution that deals with your suspected cause of error.
Solution #1: Disable Multi-Link Negotiation.
This solution is recommended by Microsoft if error 734 is caused by conflicting networking configurations.
To do this:
- Go to Start > Settings, then click Network and Dial-up Connections. For older Windows OS versions, click Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
- Right-click your dial-up connection, then choose Properties from the menu.
- Click on the Networking tab, then Settings.
- Uncheck Negotiate multi-link for single link connections.
- Click the OK button twice.
- Double-click your connection and click the Dial button.
If you are able to successfully connect after following these instructions, then you don’t need to proceed to the succeeding steps. But if the above solution did not work, proceed to Solution #2.
Solution #2: Edit Your Connection Security Settings.
If the first solution did not work, proceed with the steps below:
- In the Network and Dial-up Connections (from Solution #1) window, right-click on your dial-up connection and select b.
- Click the Security tab.
- Go to Security options > Validate my identity as follows, then click Allow unsecured password.
- Double-click your connection and click the Dial button to try establishing a connection.
Solution #3: Configure Your PPP Settings for Dial-up Connection.
Sometimes, some of your protocol settings can get in the way of your establishing a dial-up connection. Try disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.
To edit your protocol settings:
- Click Start and type in Run in the search box. Select the Run accessory to open it. You can also press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog.
- Type in ncpa.cpl, then hit Enter.
- Right-click on your dial-up modem and choose Properties.
- Click the Security tab, then click Allow these protocols.
- Uncheck all the options except for Microsoft CHAP Version 2 (MS-CHAP v2).
- Under Type of VPN, select Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
- Click OK to exit and see if this method works.
Method #4: Fix Registry Issues.
Another reason behind error 734 is conflicting registry entries. Cleaning the registry can help resolve this problem and prevent other issues from cropping up. You can download a third-party registry cleaner to scan and delete bad entries from your Registry, and then check if this solves your connection problem.
Method #5: Switch Off Firewall.
Firewalls are designed to scan data that go through your internet connection. But sometimes, firewalls can be a little bit overprotective, restricting your connection and sometimes blocking it completely.
To check if your firewall is the culprit, disable it temporarily then check whether you are able to connect. To do this:
- Launch the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
- Type in firewall.cpl.
- Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to access your firewall settings.
- Click Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under Private network settings and Public network settings.
- Click OK and try if you can connect now.
Summary
Error 734 is more of a dial-up connection issue than a VPN error. Adjusting your network configurations and PPP settings might help resolve this error and allow you to successfully establish a dial-up connection.