Ranger Remote Control Deploy doesn't work with Windows XP SP2

Question

Why can't I deploy RRC to the PCs after XP SP2 has been installed on them?

Symptoms

There was an error getting the platform information for . The network path was not found.

The file and print sharing ports have been closed on the client machine.

Cause

When XP SP2 is installed, it enables a firewall which blocks file and print sharing. This in turn blocks Ranger Remote Control from finding information about the client machine

Resolution

You need to enable file and print sharing in the Windows Firewall or disable the firewall completely (however this is not recommended).

Instructions

All the suggestions below require administrative level privileges.

Option 1 - Disabling the Firewall (for testing only - not recommended)

1. Go to to the control panel
2. Go to the security centre in control panel and select the firewall option.
3. Check the box that says the firewall is NOT enabled.

Option 2 - Enable the file and print sharing manually

1. Go to to the control panel
2. Go to the security centre in control panel and select the firewall option.
3. Go to the exceptions Tab 
4. Tick the file and print sharing box highlighted in

Option 3 - Enable the File and print sharing through a batch file.

1. Download the file PrtOpn
2. This file can be run in many ways.
   • Double click on the file on each machine
   • Call this file from a logon script
   • Run this file through a scheduled task.

Testing

Confirm that you can access the computer remotely via the computer's UNC path to a share on the machine.

eg pc1c

You can also test that the remote deploy now works.

Confirm through the Firewall settings exception list that the file and print sharing has been ticked (If option 2 or 3 where used).