A Windows 7 update in July 2015 broke the connector software.
I put the 2.5 disk in to reload the connector software, it found the server, so I cancelled the re-installation.
I thought it was fixed.
The next day, gray icons on all computers.
Rebooting everything was no help.
So I tired to reinstall 2.5 and it can't find the server on the network to reinstall it.
Lights on the server look healthy. No changes to wiring or network settings.
Any thoughts?
Sorry if I'm overlooking something simple, but the 485 has been happy for a couple of years and I haven't messed with it. I'm not an expert on networks.

I still have a couple of Windows 7 PC's that are fully updated and haven't had any issues with the connector. They are still getting nightly backups and I've accessed the server from each.

Can you log into the server with Remote Desktop Connection (RDP session)?

Scott

Maybe it was a coincidence, but the update recommended an update to Windows Home Server. Things went bad after that.
The server is running, but simply doesn't show up on the network or router. It's almost as if the Ethernet port on the server is shut off.
I will plug my laptop directly into the server to see If I can find it.

I have 7 PC's in the house that have win 7 about half pro the other half win 7 starter. I have 1 pc with vista and they are all up to date on everything Windows updates/Adobe updates/ Java updates and connecting fine and backing up every morning.
I know this doesn't fix your problem, but, just to let you know it is something with your pc that is not normal.
Sorry, wish I could be more help.
Good Luck

In my world, when things go bad on a pc, it's time to reload. But I keep all my data on the server so it doesn't take long to do.
Let us know how it turns out, might help others....

_________________
[X510 CPU/RAM/All 2 TB Red's] [X510 CPU/Sync'ed Backup/All 2 TB Hitachi's]
[X510 /2 in box]
[X710 LIAN LI DIY W2016E] Stablebit Drivepool [EX-503 LIAN LI 5-bay USB3 External]
Fear the Cloud

I was working on it and things got stranger. Plugging a laptop into the server was no help.
So I tried to blindly return it to last know good state via a keyboard. Reboot, wait until red light stops blinking F8, up arrow 4 times, hit enter.
Got it back on the network, but this morning it was offline again and the blinking lights were 2 blue followed by 3 red. (BIOS recovery source not present)
So tonite I will try to reload the BIOS from instructions at https://www.bios-mods.com/reviews/mothe ... recovered/

You did not state what model it is.
But one possibility is the battery for the bios needs to be replaced????

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VGA/PS2 Keyboard/PS2 Mouse/Serial debug board
Popcorn C-200
Popcorn A-200
Dune HD Connect
Rasberry PI OSMC(KODI)
ReadyNAS RN316
Amazon FireStick
Amazon ECHO
AnyDvD
MyMovies

485 EX with two 1TB hard drives. Upgraded processor to the one that doesn't need BIOS mods.
Could be the battery, I'll check that. Time to disassemble and clean anyhow.

Yup, it was the CMOS battery. Thanks for the reminder.

Some computers won't even boot up if the CMOS battery is dead, but the MSS tries and the blinking lights indicate code 23.
Interesting to note, with the battery out, it tested 3.02 V with a multi-meter, but with a slight load on it, the voltage dropped to near zero. It seems to be a characteristic of coin cells. Luckily my cheapo multi-meter has a battery test setting on it which puts a small load on the battery. Lacking that, an old trick is to try to light up an LED.

Awesome trouble shooting guys, these servers are getting to that age. This is going to come in handy.
I'll be keeping an eye on mine.
Thx for the info

I have a shuttle pc (old) had win98 and was upgraded to win xp that every time I get a power bump, it loses all the bios settings, I have replaced the cmos battery and it didn't help. I know have a win7 shuttle box for a replacement but I still don't know why a new battery didn't fix it.
Take care all.

_________________
[X510 CPU/RAM/All 2 TB Red's] [X510 CPU/Sync'ed Backup/All 2 TB Hitachi's]
[X510 /2 in box]
[X710 LIAN LI DIY W2016E] Stablebit Drivepool [EX-503 LIAN LI 5-bay USB3 External]
Fear the Cloud