[DaveDoesIT]

Hi All,

I just did a search and found quite a few postings dating back to 2007 all with the same problem I am having, but so far no resolutions.

I have a small home network and 4 computers.
1: Laptop Vista
2: Desktop XP
3: Desktop W2K
4: Desktop W2K
All with current SP levels.

TightVNC works on #1, #2 and #3 but has recently stopped working on #4. The keyword here is "recently." I get the error message "Failed to connect to server (192.168....)"

Nothing has changed on the #4 computer.

Nothing has changed on the home network.

The IP addresses for all 4 are hard coded with the MAC addresses in the router. I have double checked the MAC addresses. I have double checked the IP assignment on #4.

I have uninstalled TightVNC on #4, rebooted, installed TightVNC and assigned it as a Service and rebooted. Still nothing.

From #1, I can access #4 via Windows Explorer and my backup software will successfully backup from #1 to #4 so I know the network is working.

I really need to be able to access #4 via TightVNC as it is in my detached garage and it's a pain to have to trudge through the snow to adjust stuff out there.

I have checked everything I can think of.
1. vnc running as service on 5900
2. accept connections is ticked
3. password is set
4. display number and/or port set to auto
5. router port forward to correct internal ip which is static
6. zone alarm has been shut down

Getting pretty frustrated here if anyone can please shed some light on this.

Thanks in advance

Dave

[huggie54]

enable/disable windows firewall while trying the connection

[DaveDoesIT]

Huggy,

Thanks for the reply but I never have windows firewall active on any of the computers. I use ZoneAlarm. The problem is solved and I will post under a "Solved" reply.

[DaveDoesIT]

The problem has been solved but I am not sure why but I do know how.

Even with ZoneAlarm Shut Down it would still not connect. So, in a moment of extreme frustration I un-installed ZoneAlarm on the #4 PC using Revo and the advanced option.

I then reinstalled ZoneAlarm 7 (last w2k version) and set up the permissions again.

Now it is all working.

I am not sure why shutting down ZoneAlarm did not do it, but un-installing and re-installing did.

Dave

[JohnWill]

That is a persistent issue with some firewalls. Even after they're uninstalled, they leave behind some residue that causes issues. Revo Uninstaller is really good at cleaning them up, I suspect that was the right move.

[DaveDoesIT]

Hi John,

Yup, that looks to have fixed it. I have rebooted the #4 several times now and it is all working the way it was a few weeks back. Not sure what got into ZoneAlarm, it must have just had one of those moments.

[JohnWill]

All's well that ends well.