The VisualSVN Server Manager console uses Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) for remote administration. Connecting to WMI remotely requires that you configure the Windows Firewall to allow network connections to WMI on the remote computer. This article describes how to configure the Windows Firewall to enable VisualSVN Server Remote Administration in various environments.
Incorrect Windows Firewall settings are usually identified by receiving the "RPC Server Unavailable" error message when trying to remotely connect to the VisualSVN Server using the management console:
Windows Firewall configuration should be done locally on the server by the user with administrator rights. While Windows Firewall can be configured using the Control Panel, you may find it easier to use the netsh command lines. Appropriate command lines for the most widely used Windows versions are listed below.
Configuring Firewall for VisualSVN Server 5.0 and later
To allow administrative access to the server through the firewall, please enable the VisualSVN Remote Server Administration inbound rules. Follow these steps:
- Open Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
- Find the VisualSVN Remote Server Administration firewall rule group and select the Domain profile.
- Click OK.
Enabling the firewall rules allows remote administrative access to VisualSVN Server.
Configuring Firewall for VisualSVN Server 4.3 and older
Run the following command in elevated command prompt:
If you would rather use the Firewall UI than the netsh commands above, use the following steps on the server:
- In the Control Panel, click Security and then click Windows Firewall.
- Click Change Settings, and then click the Exceptions tab.
- In the Exceptions window, select the check box for Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to enable WMI traffic through the firewall. To disable WMI traffic, clear the check box.
For further details, see the article Setting up a Remote WMI Connection at MSDN.