ATX connection to server issue

[jshtax]

I am getting this error more now than ever last year. I can work through the issue but is there a known fix?

[joanmcq]

Nope. I get it sporadically. Just keep clicking the damn retry until it works.

[jshtax]

http://cchsfs-atx.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/15000/session/L3RpbWUvMTQyNDY0MDc3MC9zaWQvNXVEMWNHZm0%3D

 

Does this fix actually work?

 

"Can't Connect to Server. An attempt was made to start the server..." when opening ATX

Answer ID 15000   |    Document ID   |    Published 10/02/2014 07:00 AM   |    Updated 01/07/2015 04:36 AM

You receive one or more of the following errors when opening ATX 2013:

1. Can't Connect to Server
   An attempt was made to start the server process, but the application is still unable to connect. Please start the server and try again.
2. Could not connect to the server.
3. An error was encountered while communicating with the ATX Server. Would you like to retry?

These errors indicate that something is preventing the ATX application on a workstation from being able to connect to the server process that is running on the ATX server machine. These errors can occur for a number of reasons. Below are troubleshooting options in descending order of likeliness.

1)     Problems with the ATX Service

Note: Complete the following steps from the server computer if you are on a network.

Step 1: Open the Services inside of Windows Administrative Tools
-     Open Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services
-     Locate the ATX 2013 Service (or 2014 if applicable)

Step 2a: If this service is not listed
-     Uninstall ATX 2013 and ATX 2013 Server from Control Panel > Programs and Features.
-     Reinstall ATX 2013 from a CD or from the downloadable installer on the ATX Support Website

Step 2b: If the service is listed but shows Disabled or Not Started
-     Right-click on the ATX 2013 Service and select Properties
-     On the General tab, set the Startup type as Automatic
-     Click OK
-     Right-click on the ATX 2013 Service and select Start
-     Wait approximately 30 seconds for the service to start
-     ATX should now open correctly.

If these steps did not resolve your problem, please proceed to the next troubleshooting process.

2)     Check the ATX Admin Console for errors

Steps: Restart the service from the ATX Admin Console
-     Select the Windows start button and navigate to All Programs > CCH Small Firm Services > ATX 2013
-     Click on the ATX 2013 Admin Console to run it
-     Click the Restart Service button, if it is shown
-     If no errors are shown, close the ATX 2013 Admin Console
-     ATX should now open correctly

If any errors are shown under the status list inside of the Admin Console, you should contact ATX Technical Support for additional troubleshooting.

If these steps did not resolve your problem, please proceed to the next troubleshooting process.

3)     Repair the Windows WINSOCK service

Steps: Repair the Windows WINSOCK Service
-     Open My Computer
-     Navigate to C:WindowsSystem32
-     Right click on the file called CMD.EXE and select Run as administrator
-     At the command prompt, type "netsh winsock reset" and press enter
-     Once this process is complete, you will need to reboot your computer
-     ATX should now open correctly

If these steps did not resolve your problem, please proceed to the next troubleshooting process.

4)     Remove Microsoft Windows Update KB3004394

Steps: Uninstall the damaged KB3004394 Windows Update and re-run Windows Updates
-     Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3004394
-     Navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features
-     In the pane on the left, select View installed updates
-     Search for and uninstall update KB3004394
-     Close the Programs and Features window
-     Re-run Windows Updates

If these steps did not resolve your problem, please proceed to the next troubleshooting process.

5)     Additional Causes

Steps: This error can also be caused by the following incorrectly configured settings. For steps on how to resolve these issues, click on the Answer ID links below.

• Improper firewall configuration (Answer ID: 15001)
• ATX Service is not started on the server machine (Answer ID: 15002)
• Incorrect DNS settings (Answer ID: 15003)

 

If none of the steps above resolve your issue, please call Customer Support and speak with one of our representatives.

[Jack from Ohio]

Don't waste your time trying to fix it.  Those were the same steps promoted to help program speed as far back as 2009.

 It is inherent to the way the program is structured.  They chose a VW engine to attempt to power a Formula One race car.  It will never go away if you have more than 100 clients, and only gets worse as the number of clients increases.

 

Spend your time with those "fixes" if you wish.  The will NOT work.

Edited February 22, 2015 by Jack from Ohio

[jshtax]

It was for 2013 anyway not 14. We have over 250 to date and it just pops up like I am popping microwave popcorn.