[vpn-help] DNS fails any time proxy is running even if not connected

[Matthew Grooms]

On 1/20/2010 5:41 AM, Linwood Ferguson wrote:
> Problem:
> Suddenly I was unable to resolve names with DNS while NOT connected via
> VPN. This occurred with no apparent change, after working for several
> weeks flawlessly. So far the problem is only on a wireless connection.
> Software version:
> Windows 7 64 bit (fully patched)
> VPN client 2.1.5 release, and also 2.1.6 beta 3
> Hardware:
> Dell E6500 laptop, clean Windows 7 install (Ultimate - legal)
> Current firmware, and both original and latest wifi card drivers tested
> Scenario:
> WithOUT the VPN connection running, but with the "Shrewsoft DNS Proxy"
> service running, DNS requests fail. A network trace shows no DNS request
> hits the network itself. Stop the service - works fine. Start again, fails.
> I saw the TRAC report about VM issues, and resume from suspend. This
> problem may be related but it does continue after a reboot without a
> suspend, and no VM is involved.
> I de-installed 2.1.5 and DNS worked fine afterwards (no service so that
> was expected).
> I installed 2.1.6 beta three which I see may (eventually) address the
> bug report that seemed related - no change. I tried enabing a log for
> debug from the DNS servce, but all I get is a banner and copyright.
> This system was very stable with the software for serveral weeks
> (roughly from the 2.1.5 release which was the first installed on it). I
> was travelling, it worked one day all day, the next day on first use it
> failed. No software was installed (at least knowingly), no config
> changes made (again, at least knowingly). It is now 100% failing (but
> equally 100% fixable by stopping the service).
> It is working on the wired NIC (though I cannot try the VPN connection
> itself as I do not have a wired nic outside of our company network at
> this location - only wireless internet).
> I have tested it on two different wifi setups, unrelated (one my
> company, one a hotel), no change (and again, a sniffer shows no DNS
> packets being exchanged -- it is not getting off the laptop).
> And with the service stopped, I cannot establish a VPN connection.
> I repeated the de-install, wiped the main software registry, and
> re-installed -- even before importing any PCF files, DNS was failing,
> i.e. never once made an attempt at a VPN connection.
> Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks for the bug report. If you don't need the DNS Proxy and its 
causing problems, I would stop the service and set it to manual startup. 
We plan to rewrite the DNS Proxy to correct a few issues with it in the 
not too distant future.

-Matthew