Windows 2003 Server Nothing Opens

[zodiaczz]

Ok I got a call from a customer that they were having problems with there Windows 2003 Domain Controller.

Seems when you try to open up anything and I mean anything like Active Directory, My Computer, DNS etc the screen will flash and nothing opens... almost every single program does it. Which makes troubleshooting almost impossible because I cant open anything to see the issues.

Is there a Repair option on the Windows 2003 Server CD like XP and if so will that mess everything up? anyone have any suggestions... Funny thing is The server does work for the users, DHCP, DNS, Exchange etc are all working, you just cant go on the server to see it

 

[cpjust]

Did they try deleting tmp files and rebooting?
Anything strange in the Event Log?
Can you Remote Desktop into it, and does the same thing happen in a remote session?
Can you Telnet into it?
Is there AntiVirus software installed? Get the latest virus defs and do a system scan...

 

[Cstorms]

Before diving into full repair mode attempt to isolate the problem, especially if this machine hosts all those critical functions, can you get into safe mode? Check out all relevant logs in event viewer and check to see if any updates for possible virus scanner engine were loaded... something is fishy but i dont think you need or want to run repair as your first resort as it could make some unwanted changes to custom configurations you may have.

 

[zodiaczz]

That would be the problem my friends you cant open anything... Cant open the Event log, Cant run a virus scan, etc etc.... everytime you open something the screen flashes and goes back to the desktop, that is in safe mode or normal mode and also in remote or local. Absolutely nothing opens... The repair option for me is a last resort

 

[MarkDym]

I've used the W2k3 Repair option several times and it has been fine. So long as the folks have a backup in case anything goes wrong, it should be OK.

To use the repair function, boot from the installation CD, and run Windows Setup as normal - do not attempt to use the Repair console - once setup has examined your disks, it will identify the partition containing the Windows installation and give you the option to repair it.

Good luck.

 

[nevets2001uk]

Have you tried using the MMC consoles on an XP client to administer the server?

For example if you open Computer Management on an XP PC and then right click on Computer Management (Local) on the left you can connect to another computer. Connect it to the server and you may be able to view the logs from there?

You could install adminpak.msi on the XP client to provide you with the server based consoles such as DNS and AD Users and Computers. This might help you diagnose the issue without resorting to a repair.

Steve G (MCSE / MCSA:Messaging)

 

[zodiaczz]

thanks guys, yes i tried to access the server via another console... think i have found the problem, decided to run a scan from a pc and mapped a drive from the pc to the server drive... this isnt my server but its found up to 100 viruses lol.. pretty sure that could be the issue... once it finishes cleaning them up i will see where it's at, turns out the customer doesnt think he ever installed antivirus... tsk tsk