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Remote Desktop + SBS 2008

Hello All,

I am having an issue with remote desktop. Everything worked fine with it until I ran Windows update a few days ago on my server and the clients. After I ran the update, I get an error that says this:

Client could not connect to remote computer. Try connecting again. If the problem persists, contact the owner of the remote computer or your network administrator.

All the client machines run Win 7-64 Professional. The are all are now unavailable. I cannot ping them nor connect with Remote Desktop nor access the files through Explorer. The SBS Console does not see them as connected. They can still access the files shares on the server. One client that runs a 32 bit version of Win 7 I can still ping and access its drives via Explorer. But I cannot connect to it with Remote Desktop either.

Anyone else run into this? The only change was the recent updates.

Thanks

Pete Long

This may not the the answer but it wont hurt - http://www.petenetlive.com/KB/Article/0000397.htm I know the symptoms are different - but its only two reg keys to test
Also see this http://www.petenetlive.com/KB/Article/0000193.htm Even if you've disabled the firewall I've seen this stuff up!

Pete

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

I did disable the Server Firewall in an attempt the troubleshoot the problem, to no avail. I will give your solution a shot and let you know the results. Thanks.

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

PeteLong - thanks for the suggestion, but it had no effect on the problem.

Lionel MM

Those damn Windows updates--can you check your setting for Network and Sharing center and see if Network Discovery is on--if it is not that may be the problem. If it is, can you check the other settings too--if they are off turn them on and see if that resolves it.
Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

No luck Lionelmm. All the sharing settings are correct. Network discovery is on. Thanks for the suggestion.

Lionel MM

OK did you check the remote desktop settings Control Panel\System\System Properties, Remote Tab?

Lionel MM

What virus software are you using? Brand, Type and version please!

mbeijen

Can you RDP from one desktop to another?
Can you RDP from that server to an server outside your network?

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

The Remote Desktop setting are enabled to "Alow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)".

I am using AVG, File Server Edition, version 10.0.1204 on the SBS. Today the SBS Console does see the machines that are on and connected. I can also ping them. It is only Remote Desktop that is not working.

Thanks

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

Remote Desktop is configured to allow in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

Lionel MM

OK I just tested on my Windows Server 2008 to see if this update affected all server editions--I do not have SBS 2008 only SBS 2003. I am able to RDP to other PCs from Server 2008. How are you connecting via RDP (I know this is basic stuff to ask but it may prove helpful)--what are the steps you take to connect to a remote PC? Thanks!

Lionel MM

Did you install AVG with the AVG firewall? I am assuming no but just wanting to make sure.

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

I figured it out. The exception on the Windows Firewall on the client machines was turned off. My only thought as to how that happened was the updates I pushed to the clients over the weekend. I was able to get into a client machine with logmein and put the exception back. I'll push that "fix" out with a GPO.

Thanks for your help - I do appreciate it.

Lionel MM

Well I'm not going to argue with you too strongly but some of us did give you some ideas, and suggestions, and some of us, myself included, mentioned firewalls and or virus software as a potential cause.

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

Lionelmm - I am ot sre what you are upset about. Maybe I did something wrong?

You and other did offer some nice advice. But my problem wasn't really with my Server, it was with the clients having the Firewall Exception turned off from a security update.

Is it about the "points"? I don't really know how that all works.

What can I do to solve any hurt feelings? Please explain.

thanks

Lionel MM

I'm not upset man--take it easy--all I was saying we did help you and point you in the right direction and some others, me included, did ask about the firewall and/or the virus software. I am not at all upset and if you feel no one deserves the points that's your call--you don't have to do anything to solve my hurt feeling as I have none--really. You do what you feel it right--all I did was point at that we did help you but you are in control--if it wasn't what you wanted then that's your decision.

UFIT-TSS

ASKER

Lionelmm - My thoughts were that the points are probably awarded to the person that posts an accepted solution. Since I posted the solution, I didn't think I should get an points for answering my own question. If you or others can get points for offering help, I fully support that,

Pete Long

>> it was with the clients having the Firewall Exception turned off from a security update.

Thats what http://www.petenetlive.com/KB/Article/0000193.htm suggests?

PL

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