Server sees network, network doesn't see server!

[mstanton]

We have a Windows Server 2008 that recently was rebooted. Now, for some reason, it isn't available to the network. It has internet access, and it can browse the entire network and connect to other servers, but no pc's or servers can connect to it. Any ideas as to why this is happening, and how to correct this?

TIA for any/all replies.

-M

 

[mrdenny]

Check that the Windows firewall didn't get screwed up.

Denny
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[mstanton]

Thanks, Denny. Question - since we have a corporate firewall, should Windows Firewall even be running on our servers?

Thanks again,

-M

 

[DrB0b]

Have you checked your domain and local names on the server with the issue? Sounds like its part of the domain but the conical name might have changed not allowing others to see it due to it being physically not the same name being queried.

Not sure why someone would have changed it, just a quick thing to check.

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[mstanton]

Thanks, DrBob,

The domain and local names are fine. It appears to be a Windows Firewall problem. The Windows Firewall service should have been started automatically, but it is not started. When I try to start it. it won't start. In the system event log, I see the following error for this:

Windows Firewall service terminated with server-specific error 5 (0x5).

Doing some research now, but so far, I'm finding articles pertaining to this problem occurring in XP and Vista.

I restarted the server, but that didn't solve the problem. I still cannot start the Firewall service.

I will continue to research this, but if anyone knows the solution in the meantime, please post it here.

Thanks in advance!
-M

 

[mrdenny]

Error 5 is access is denied. Did someone change the account that the firewall is running under?

Without the firewall all access to the server will be shutdown.

The Windows firewall probably isn't doing much for you as there are so many holes in it that allow everyone to connect to the servers. I've disabled it on a lot of machines that have a good hardware firewall protecting the network. That's not best practice, so take that for what it's worth.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)
MCM (SQL 2008)
MVP

My Site

 

[DrB0b]

Have you tried this:

http://www.winxptutor.com/sp2/resetfw.htm

Prolly have the same result, but worth a shot.

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[mstanton]

Thanks, all for your suggestions.....

DrBob, I saw that link in another article, and although it is XP specific, I tried it anyway - NO LUCK!!

Denny,is "disabling" the firewall any different from not having it on?

 

[DrB0b]

Have you scanned with any antivirus? Had a very similar issue a couple months ago with a virus that would disable that service along with Workstation and Server. Had to reinstall, hope this isnt the case for you.

"Silence is golden, duct tape is silver...

 

[mstanton]

Scanned for viruses - one found - cleaned and deleted. Rebooted server - still can't start Firewall service! GRRRRRR........

 

[mrdenny]

Yes. Disableling the firewall is different from not starting it. The newer OSes by default are totally locked down until the firewall service starts. Even if firewall is disabled and all ports are open the service still needs to be running.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)
MCM (SQL 2008)
MVP

My Site

 

[mstanton]

Thanks, Denny - so to make sure I understand correctly, until I can get the Firewall Service started, I am SOL?

 

[mrdenny]

Yep, pretty much.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)
MCM (SQL 2008)
MVP

My Site

 

[gabyz4]

Hi, has this been resolved, i am having the same issue, it happend after the windows updates Friday night?
Server can connect to my 3 laptops, but none of my laptops can conect to the server.

any help would be appreciated.
thanks

 

[mstanton]

Yes - this has been resolved. Sorry I didn't post here about it sooner. I ended up calling Dell (the server was still under warranty). A tech worked on it quite a while. I ended up having to take a phone call towards the end of our session, so I didn't see exactly what he did once he got it working. I asked him "what did you do?" He said he rebooted the Service Control Manager (or something to that effect). I also know that he disabled the Windows Firewall, and the Firewall Service as well. All is fine now.

Hope this helps!!