How to Fix: PuTTY fatal Error - Connection Refused
PuTTY fatal error connection refused issue on Windows Server 2012 R2
📋 Table of Contents
The 'Connection Refused' error in PuTTY is frustrating because it prevents users from accessing remote servers, which can impact productivity and workflow. This issue typically occurs when the server does not receive or respond to incoming connections, often due to misconfigured network settings, firewall rules, or service availability.
Resolving this error requires a combination of diagnostic efforts and adjustments to the system configuration. In this guide, we will explore possible root causes and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the 'Connection Refused' error in PuTTY.
💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
- The primary reason for the 'Connection Refused' error is that the server's SSH service (or equivalent) is not listening on the expected port. This can be due to a misconfigured firewall rule, incorrect service settings, or a network connectivity issue. Additionally, Telnet might be blocked on the remote server, which can also cause this error.
- An alternative reason for this error could be that the server's SSH client is not properly configured or is experiencing issues with its connection establishment process.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
Verifying Server Configuration and Firewall Rules
- Step 1: Step 1: Check the server's firewall rules to ensure that incoming connections on the expected port are allowed. You can do this by accessing the Windows Server 2012 R2 Control Panel, navigating to System and Security, and then selecting Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Ensure that the SSH service is configured to listen on the correct port.
- Step 2: Step 2: Verify that the SSH service is running and listening on the expected port. You can do this by accessing the Command Prompt as an administrator and typing the command 'netstat -ano | findstr
'. Replace ' ' with the actual port number used by your SSH service. If the service is not running, start it using the command 'net start ssh'. - Step 3: Step 3: Check the Telnet service configuration to ensure that it is enabled and listening on the correct port. You can do this by accessing the Command Prompt as an administrator and typing the command 'telnet
'. If Telnet is not working, you may need to enable it using the Windows Server 2012 R2 Control Panel.
Checking SSH Client Configuration
- Step 1: Step 1: Check the PuTTY configuration file (usually named 'puttygen.cfg') for any errors or incorrect settings. Ensure that the correct port number and hostname are specified in the configuration file.
- Step 2: Step 2: Verify that the SSH client is properly configured to connect to the remote server. You can do this by accessing the Command Prompt as an administrator and typing the command 'putty -config
'. If PuTTY fails to connect, check the PuTTY logs for any error messages.
💡 Conclusion
To resolve the 'Connection Refused' error in PuTTY, it is essential to identify and address the root cause of the issue. By verifying server configuration and firewall rules, as well as checking SSH client configuration, you can ensure that your remote connection is established successfully. Remember to always test your connections thoroughly before relying on them for production use.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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