Several problems can prevent the Backup Client from logging in to the Backup Server. When you receive this error message, 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; followed by incorrect user names and passwords.
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. The Backup Client communicates with the Backup Server (the server side) 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 (server) side.
Firewall Issues - Backup Server Side
We recommend that you start by looking at the Firewall issues on the Backup Server side 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 computer running the Backup Server:
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 assistance with changing firewall settings, you will need to contact your firewall 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 center 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 assistance with changing firewall settings, you will need to contact your firewall vendor.
Backup for Workgroups is a client/server product. Before you can setup your Backup Clients, you need to have the Backup Server (the server) up and running. 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.
Each computer that you want to include in the backup process needs its own account at the Backup Server.
To establish a unique account for this computer at the Backup Server:
Go to the computer running the Backup Server software.
Run Backup for Workgroups.
Go to the Clients panel.
Review the list of clients. If this computer is not in the list, press the Add button.
Create the account for this computer.
Return to the Backup Client computer.
Perform the test login again.
Double-check your Backup Server name and correct any typos. When you are backing up over an internal network (meaning the Internet is not used), you can use the computer name or the IP address of the computer running the Backup Server. If you are backing up over the Internet, you should enter the IP address of the router that resides on the Internet side. This is also called the Public IP Address of the router that connects you to the Internet. Your router needs to port-forward Port 2125 to the computer running the Backup Server.
Double-check the spelling of your client name and password and correct any typos. Make sure you are using the Backup for Workgroups client name and password that were setup for you at the Backup Server. NOTE - This account name and password MAY BE DIFFERENT than the account name that you use to login to WINDOWS. A side note: Backup for Workgroups maintains its own database of user accounts because when you get into a disaster recovery situation, your Windows accounts may not exist at that time. As a result, the list of user accounts within Backup for Workgroups will be operational, even if the Windows accounts are not.
To check your client name and password:
Go to the Backup Server and run Backup for Workgroups.
Select the Clients panel.
Review the list of Clients for your name or computer name.
At the Backup Client computer, enter the same name that you read from the Backup Server Client List.
If you do not know the password for your account, you can change the password at the Backup Server. To change the password, go to the Backup Server, select the Clients panel, select the appropriate Client name and press the Modify button. You can change the password and return to the Backup Client computer to enter the correct client name and password.