Troubleshooting

I Can't Access a Server

When I try to browse for a server, I can't see the resource I am trying to access. Or, when I access a specific address via the Connect to Server command, the connection is never made because the process quits or the "Connect to Server" dialog box never appears.

First, make sure that the network resource you are trying to access is available. Go to that machine; ensure it is running; and check its Sharing pane to make sure the services, such as file sharing, are turned on. Check the machine's network connections to ensure it is communicating successfully with the network. For example, check its Internet connection or access a network printer.

Second, if you are trying to browse for the machine and it is properly configured and communicating with the network, ensure it supports Bonjourit must be running Mac OS X version 10.2 or later to do so. If not, you need to access it via its address. If you are trying to access the machine via the address for a specific service, check the address you need to access to ensure you are using the correct one.

Third, go back to the machine on which you are attempting to access the network resources and make sure its network connections are active, such as by accessing the Internet.

Fourth, if can't find a Bonjour-enabled computer by browsing, access it via its address. If you are accessing the network resource via its address, be sure you are using the correct address for the service you are trying to access. For example, make sure you are using the File Sharing address if that is the service you are attempting to use.

My Mac OS 9 Machine Can't Share Files

When I try to access a Mac OS X file server from a Mac OS 9 machine, I can't see it in the Chooser.

Make sure the Mac OS 9 machine can access the network. Use the Chooser to select a network printer or other device. If that works, you know the problem lies with the configuration of the Mac OS X machine. If it doesn't, you have a networking problem. Check the cables and hubs to make sure everything is connected properly.

On the Mac OS 9 machine, turn off AppleTalk using the Chooser, assuming that the Mac OS 9 machine has an IP address. AppleTalk can cause problems with TCP/IP file sharing for Macs running Mac OS 9.

If the Mac OS 9 machine does not have an IP address, ensure that AppleTalk is turned on for the Mac OS X file server.

I Can't See the FTP Site

When I try to move to the FTP site, I get a connection refused or site not found error.

First, check whether any TCP/IP services are working. Turn on web sharing for the machine you are attempting to use for FTP. If you can successfully connect to its website, a problem exists with the FTP services themselves. If you can't successfully connect, you have a network problem.

If the problem is related to the FTP service, make sure you don't have a firewall installed that blocks FTP services. Also, try shutting down the FTP machine and then starting it up again.

FTP Access Was Working, but Now It Isn't

I have successfully accessed FTP services on a machine before, but now it isn't working.

If you are using a web browser to access the FTP site, quit the browser, restart it, and try again.

If several unsuccessful logins to an FTP service have been attempted, subsequent logins will be denied. When this happens, restart the machine providing the FTP services.