Home Forums Discussions Problems Trouble connecting remotely through VPN

Hello
I am trying to run AC from home on the database on my main computer at work. Using Himachi VPN to connect. I keep getting the following:
-----------------------------------
There was an error connecting to SQL Server on COMPGI1 (on Port: 61067). Try the steps above to resolve the problem.

ERROR DETAILS: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: TCP Provider, error: 0 - A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.)
-------------------------------------

I have AVG firewall on the main computer at work. I made a rule in it to open port 61067. I even tried stopping the firewall completely. (Windows' firewall is turned off.) Still no go.
I am able to ping back and forth between the home and work computers through the VPN with no problem.
Not sure what to do next.

Thanks

We tend to recommend against VPN due speed limitations. Have you considered using remote access software like LogMeIn or Remote Desktop?

Are you able to browse the shared folders of that computer?

Sandeep
I agree logmein is probably a faster way to do it. This is more of a nerd challenge to me. And yes, I'm able to browse the shared folders on the remote machine.

Be careful as you can corrupt the database. Temporarily uninstall AVG firewall for now.

Open the port explicitly for SQL: http://youtu.be/eUeE7aCHjNA?hd=1&t=14m4s

Everything works on the LAN side correct?

A few questions. It is always helpful to give as much information as possible, such as what OS is the main computer? What other OS are you running?

Just as Sandeep asked, and I would agree with him as RDP and LMI and GTMPC would all be MUCH faster; but why use AVG's firewall when Windows Firewall is excellent? Which port did you open for 61067? TCP, UDP, both? I would open both. The error message specifically mentions the port. Have you rebooted after setting it up? Are you using AVG's antivirus and firewall? Is it a suite?

Take a look at this link specifically #8 down. My guess is you haven't done those steps.

Many, or rather most database apps won?t work over a slow link and although they appear to work with very limited performance they often result in database corruption as Sandeep mentions.

Best bet with database apps is RDP/or TS. Big database apps include a web interface limiting the amount of client server communications.

If you really want to wear black thick-rimmed glasses and be nerdy, set up the terminal server. For remote, especially many users, that is the way to go. But RDP is perfect, and if you are using v6.1 with HTTPS, it will be more secure than pretty much anything else.

I'm with Bert on this one. Try SBS or Virtualization if you're looking for an intellectual exercise. Or maybe try both at the same time. If you require multiple users to have remote access, terminal server is the way to go. If it's just your personal computer, just use Remote Desktop.


I get the intellectual exercise part, but it is less efficient and wouldn't really be useful.

Bert and Sandeep
Advice heeded. Thanks. For now I will continue to use LogMeIn since it works and try to save my time for more constructive endeavors:) When I have time I'll play with RDP.
Thanks a lot for your time

You're welcome. For RDP you just need to open port 3389.

A more secure way of handling things would be to open a higher public port and leave the private port at 3389. This greatly improves security as it won't be using the typical remote desktop port, which as Bert always points out, is the target of hackers.

Do it the first way, and if you get it working, try the second.

You can test if it's forwarded properly using this site: http://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/