Need port information

[tc3596]

I have 2000 server and 2000 clients. I have TCP/IP as only protocol enabled on server using port 1433. On the clients, I have TCP/IP as the only protocol enabled and 'Dynamically determining port' is checked. I am using an alias and ip address to sever as server name. Question: On the client, is there a benefit to checking 'Dynamically determining port' or should I just uncheck this and enter port 1433? Basically, I'm getting COM/ADO errors from our 3rd party application and I don't know where to begin tracking this down. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[SQLBill]

First thing to check when you have Port problems with a client and SQL Server. Is there a firewall involved? Is Port 1433 blocked? A lot of firewall teams block this port because it's the simplest way to stop the SLAMMER worm.

-SQLBill

 

[tc3596]

We do have a firewall, but I'm speaking of our internal users, who should not be affected. The errors happen every now and then, which makes it very frustrating. I'm not even sure if it's port related, but if it's better to hard code the port, then that's what I'll try. Also, tomorrow, we are planning on installing the latest sql server packs.

 

[SQLBill]

My ports are 'coded' in. I don't check Dynamically determine port.

Can you post the error(s)? Without them it's hard to do anything but guess.

It might be a problem with your DNS. It appears you are connecting using an Alias for the server. If DNS might be having problems with resolving the name.

-SQLBill