Network and Dial-up Connection Folder Problem

[Guest]

I never get the easy problems. We have a stand along Proliant HP server
running Windows Server 2000 software. The machine is used primarily for
DHCP. The local users don't see or have access to this machine.

We are switching ISPs and want to configure a second IP networkd, NIC, and
Super Scope on this machine for the transistion.

When I open the Control Panel and attempt to open the the Network and
Dial-up folder, I get the endless hour glass. Well, I'm sure if the hour
glass runs endlessly, but I don't wait for more than 1/2 hour before stopping
the silliness with Task Manager.

I have in my hot hands Article ID: 329050 & 254631 which kind of match my
symptoms, but being that we don't have a backup server (How's that for
planning?), I'm not sure if I want to mess with any registry settings.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to identify the root problem before I
start to willy nilly take things apart?

Cheers,

Mac

 

[josepe]

Try load the Dial-Up Conn folder starting in secure mode.
Check the Event Viewer to find error messages.
Go to Services and Task Manager to verify if svchost is running. If not
some dependencies are down or a worm virus is living there.

 

[Guest]

I'll check for the virus. However, I can't shut the server down at this
point as it serves 400-500 users. If I shut it down, they lose internet
access. I know that sounds bad, but I'm suck this way.

Cheers,

Mac

 

[josepe]

To manage 400+ users internet connection you must checkup up for
hardware-based firewall. These tools have several features for security.

 

[Guest]

Josepe,

The server doesn't actaully do anything but provide DHCP services. Users
don't log into this server. The server doesn't control internet access, it
doesn't provide mail services, it is just a DHCP server. I will be a few
weeks before I can dig deeper intot his problem as we have to install a
backup in case this server goes belly up while operating.

Cheers and thanks,

Mac