Resolving common issues

The table below provides you with solutions to the most common problems you may encounter when using GFI LanGuard:

Issue Encountered Solution/Description
The database structure is incorrect. Do you want to delete and recreate the database?

Description

This warning is usually encountered when trying to configure the database backend. It occurs when the database structure is corrupted.

Or

The database returns a timeout because the connection cannot be established.

Solution

When this message is encountered: Check that all SQL credentials are correct and there are no connectivity problems between the GFI LanGuard machine and the SQL server. It is important to note that when OK is clicked all saved scans are lost.

In Configuration > Database Maintenance Options > Database backend settings Microsoft Access database option is unavailable. GFI LanGuard 12 and later versions do not support Microsoft Access databases. We recommend using Microsoft SQL Server Express which is available as a free download.
Incomplete results and errors when scanning remote machines

Description

Errors similar to the following may be encountered:

  • Failed to open test key to remote registry
  • The scan will not continue
  • Access Denied
  • Could not connect to remote SMB server.

These errors may be encountered because:

  • The remote machine has an account similar to the one used by GFI LanGuard to log in as an administrator.
  • The user account used by GFI LanGuard does not have administrative privileges.

Solution

To solve this issue do one of the following:

  • Log on the GFI LanGuard machine and configure GFI LanGuard to use an alternate domain administrator account.
  • Delete the local user account on the remote machine.
  • Launch GFI LanGuard executable with ‘Run As’ using a Domain Administrator account.

NOTE

For more information, refer to http://go.gfi.com/?pageid=LAN_ProbScanningRM

GFI LanGuard program updates not working

Description

Updates will not work if GFI LanGuard machine does not have a direct connection to the Internet.

Solution

To solve this issue do one of the following:

  • Configure GFI LanGuard machine to have direct Internet access.
  • Install another instance of GFI LanGuard on a machine with Internet access and configure GFI LanGuard to check for updates from the new installation.
  • Check your firewall settings to ensure that exceptions for the URLs used for updates are in place. For more information refer to Gateway permissions.

NOTE

For more information refer to http://go.gfi.com/?pageid=LAN_CheckAltUpdates

Firewall installed on GFI LanGuard is blocking connection with target computers

Description

Scanning might slow down or be blocked if a firewall is installed on GFI LanGuard machine.

Solution

Configure the firewall to allow the following components in outbound connections:

  • <..\Program Files\GFI\LanGuard>\*.exe
  • <..\Program Files\GFI\LanGuard Agent>\*.exe

NOTE

For more information, refer to http://go.gfi.com/?pageid=LAN_SetBestPerformance

GFI LanGuard is failing to retrieve workgroup computers when using Enumerate Computers

Description

GFI LanGuard uses the Windows mechanism to retrieve the machines within a workgroup. In this mechanism a Master Browser computer will create and store a list of all computers. In some cases, the Master Browser role can fail resulting in GFI LanGuard not retrieving computers information.

NOTE

To solve this issue, refer to http://go.gfi.com/?pageid=LAN_CannotEnumerate

GFI LanGuard found open ports that another port scanner found closed

Description

GFI LanGuard uses a different approach than other port scanners to detect open ports.

Solution

To view the status of a port and determine if the port is closed or opened:

1. Click Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.

2. Key in netstat –an, and press Enter.

3. The generated list displays all computer active connections.