"Could not open communications device"

[barb spencer]

My Mac's OS is X 10.3.5. I installed MS Office 2004 for Mac over the top of
existing MS Office X. Problem: with dial-up internet connection running and
browser working fine, Entourage 2004 cannot receive or send email! When I
try, Internet Connect messages: COULD NOT OPEN THE COMMUNICATIONS
DEVICE.

Entourage 2004 has successfully imported all data from Entourage X.
I have run Disk Utility to repair permissions, and also run Keychain First Aid
- and it did repair a link to my SP. I have discarded Entourage preferences
and let them reinstall afresh. To no avail. I still get the same message, as
above.

Any suggestions? I can try calling Apple but they may say it's a MS problem.

 

[Mark]

Hi I also have had this problem after an identical senario
Office X to 2004...., only with a different error message
"Unknown error (114)"
I will keep looking for answer, and reply to the list if I
find one

 

[Rob Teichman]

I have the same problem for quite some time now. No one seems to be able to
help. Basically I have given up on using Entourage with a dial-up
connection. However, SOMETIMES and I can't explain how or why but if I turn
off bluetooth, airport, disconnect the network cable and shutdown the MAC,
then start it again, SOMETIMES I can dial-in to my ISP, start Entourage 2004
and have it connect and get my messages. Unfortunately, even with all these
complicated gyrations, it only works about 25% of the time (and NEVER when I
really, really need it!)

 

[Barb Spencer]

I'm only using dial-up - I don't use Bluetooth or Ethernet (yet) on this
computer, so I've been able to uncheck them both in Network Port Configs
in Internal Modem box, in NETWORK of the System Preferences (Apple Menu
item). They had all checked themselves.
That's fixed it, Internet Connect now goes straight to Internal Modem (it
alone is checked), and I can send and receive emails using Entourage.
Thanks to those who replied, and for sharing their own problems on this
unexpected issue.