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Server Connection Issues

Complete solutions for Software Center server connectivity problems, VPN issues, and network errors.

Connection Diagnostic Tests

Internet Connectivity

Can you browse websites normally?

ping google.com

✓ Expected: Successful replies (0% packet loss)

Domain Controller

Can you reach your organization's domain?

ping [your-domain].com

✓ Expected: Successful replies to domain server

VPN Status

Is your VPN connected and stable?

Check VPN client status

✓ Expected: Connected with green/active status

DNS Resolution

Can you resolve internal hostnames?

nslookup [internal-server]

✓ Expected: Returns valid IP addresses

Step-by-Step Solutions

Restart Network Services

90% successEasy5 minutes

Reset network and SCCM client services

  1. 1Press Win+R, type 'services.msc' and press Enter
  2. 2Find 'SMS Agent Host' service
  3. 3Right-click and select 'Restart'
  4. 4Also restart 'Windows Management Instrumentation'
  5. 5Wait 2 minutes and test Software Center connection

Fix VPN Connection Issues

85% successEasy10 minutes

Resolve VPN-related connectivity problems

  1. 1Disconnect from VPN completely
  2. 2Clear DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. 3Reconnect to VPN and wait for full connection
  4. 4Verify internal network access
  5. 5Open Software Center and test connection

Reset Network Configuration

75% successIntermediate15 minutes

Clear network caches and reset TCP/IP stack

  1. 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. 2Run: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. 3Run: netsh winsock reset
  4. 4Run: netsh int ip reset
  5. 5Restart computer
  6. 6Reconnect to network/VPN and test

Repair SCCM Client

70% successAdvanced20 minutes

Reinstall or repair the SCCM client agent

  1. 1Navigate to C:\Windows\ccmsetup
  2. 2Run ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
  3. 3Wait for complete uninstallation
  4. 4Contact IT for client reinstallation script
  5. 5Or run: ccmsetup.exe SMSSITECODE=AUTO

Common Error Messages

"Unable to connect to server"

Common Cause: Network connectivity or VPN issues

Quick Fix:

Check VPN connection and restart network services

"Service unavailable"

Common Cause: SCCM management point is down or unreachable

Quick Fix:

Wait 30 minutes and try again, or contact IT support

"Authentication failed"

Common Cause: Domain credentials expired or invalid

Quick Fix:

Lock and unlock computer to refresh credentials

"Connection timeout"

Common Cause: Slow network or server overload

Quick Fix:

Try during off-peak hours or use different network

Network Requirements

Required Connections

  • • Domain controller access (for authentication)
  • • SCCM management point (HTTP/HTTPS)
  • • DNS resolution for internal servers
  • • Ports 80/443 for web services
  • • Port 10123 for client notifications

VPN Considerations

  • • Full tunnel VPN usually required
  • • Split tunnel may block internal access
  • • DNS should resolve internal hostnames
  • • Stable connection without frequent drops
  • • Firewall rules allow SCCM traffic

Useful Commands

Network Testing

ping [server-name]

Test basic connectivity

nslookup [hostname]

Test DNS resolution

ipconfig /flushdns

Clear DNS cache

SCCM Client

services.msc

Open Services console

ccmeval.exe

Evaluate client health

ClientHealth.exe

Check client status

When to Contact IT Support

Server-Side Issues

  • • Management point is down
  • • Multiple users affected
  • • Certificate errors
  • • Site system maintenance

Policy/Security Issues

  • • Firewall blocking connections
  • • Group policy restrictions
  • • Domain trust problems
  • • VPN configuration issues

Related Help

Not Opening

Software Center won't start

Installation Errors

Fix download and install issues

VPN Issues

Detailed VPN troubleshooting

Getting Started

Basic setup and usage

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