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jahhan

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RPC error message while connected through VPN

I am connecting to a Windows domain using a VPN client.  While connected I am trying to access administrative tools to perform administrative tasks, but I am receiving an 'RPC server is unavailable' message.  I modified my HOST and LMHOST files, the computer I am using to connect to the domain is listed as an authorized domain computer, but I am still receiving this message.  Could someone tell me what I am missing?
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Jay_Jay70
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Hi jahhan,

can you confirm that your computer browser service is started and also that you can ping the machines in question by name
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jahhan

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My computer browser services is running, and I can ping the machine in question.
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I actually checked out that site before posting.
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You could try connecting by the IP address, this works much better over a VPN, however if you configured your LMHosts file correctly this should not be an issue.
RPC can also be being blocked by a software firewall on the computer to which you are connecting, such as the Windows firewall or Norton, McAfee, Zone Alarme....etc.
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I tried to access the domain controller using the ip address and it gives me the same error message.   Below is the settings I have in my LMHosts file.
x.x.x.x   PDC01   #PRE #DOM:TEST-Domain
x.x.x.x   "TEST-Domain    \0x1b"  #PRE  
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Rob Williams
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Everything you suggested I did try.  I verified my settings took by using the nbstat commands.  
The domain controllers does have RPC services running, but I did not try to use my laptop on the same LAN.  The PC I use on the LAN is able to utilize the administrative tools on the LAN.  Should I bring my laptop in the office and add it as a trusted computer?
>>"Should I bring my laptop in the office and add it as a trusted computer?"
Is the laptop not a member of the domain? Seems to me for most remote administration tools using RPC it needs to be.
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thank you I will add my laptop to the domain when I get back to the office.
Out of curiosity, try running the admin tool at the office with the laptop, before joining the domain, to see if it works. If it does that is not the problem. Let us know how you make out.
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will do..thank you so much
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while in the office I tried to access the domain computers and users applet and encountered the same error message.  Once I added by laptop to the domain I was able to access this applet.  The final test was to access the same utility through the VPN once I was out of the office.  I first attempt was connecting to the program using the domain controller name.  This returned an RPC error message,  I then tried with the IP address and that allowed me to access the network.
Thanks jahhan. Glad to hear you were able to get it working. If you 'play' with the LMHosts file a little you should be able to resolve the name issue as well, even if you ignore the domain statement and just add the IP and server name.
--Rob