Several problems can prevent the Backup Client from accessing the Backup Server. When you receive an error message indicating that your Backup Client does not have access to the Backup Server, you should review this list of items and take corrective actions that will remove the roadblock that is preventing the connection to the Backup Server. Our experience has shown that Firewall issues are the number one reason why this error occurs, so we recommend that you start by checking your firewall first.
Firewall configuration issues are a common culprit that can prevent the Backup Client from logging into the Backup Server. Backup for Workgroups is a client/server software solution and as such, the client software and server software communicate with each other. The Backup Client communicates with the Backup Server over TCP/IP using Port 2125. The Backup Server opens Port 2125 for inbound TCP and it receives connections from the Backup Client. The Backup Client connects outbound TCP Port 2125 to the Backup Server. Firewalls tend to block TCP/IP communications and can cause a problem on the Client side and on the Backup Server side.
Firewall Issues - Backup Server Side
We recommend that you start by looking at the Firewall issues on the Backup Server first because most Firewalls block inbound and allow for outbound. Since the Backup Server is the side that handles the inbound traffic, the Backup Server traffic tends to get blocked by Firewalls.
To check your Firewall settings that are in use at the Backup Server computer:
Go to the computer running the Backup Server software.
If you have a firewall running on this computer, change the Firewall settings to allow for inbound TCP on Port 2125 from any IP or Port.
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the materials provided by the Firewall supplier/vendor.
Firewall Issues - Backup Client Side
Your Backup Client may be unable to login to the Backup Server if you are running a personal security software or an anti-virus program that includes a Firewall. These personal security products tend to block TCP outbound access. Since the Backup Client sends TCP outbound information to the Backup Server, the Backup Client traffic may be blocked by a personal firewall program.
To check your Firewall settings that are in use on the Backup Client computer:
On the Backup Client computer, check to see if a personal firewall program is running.
If you have a personal firewall running, change the firewall settings to allow the Backup Client to send outbound TCP information.
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the materials provided by the Firewall supplier/vendor.
Backup for Workgroups is a client/server product and as such you need to install and configure the Backup Server before you can setup your Backup Clients. If you have accidentally skipped over the installation of the Backup Server, you need to exit the Backup Client setup and get your Backup Server setup first.
To setup your Backup Server:
Select a computer at your location to hold your backup data.
Run the Backup for Workgroups Setup program (BFWSETUP.EXE) on the selected computer.
Follow the setup wizard to install the Backup Server.