Hey everyone!

So as some of you may know, I got my server running a public IP so I could host some Counter-strike servers for the PCApex / GameApex Steam community. Within the last couple weeks, I've noticed that the whole server has been restarting randomly every couple days. A look through the event logs revealed an error in the Remote Procedure Call subsystem (rpcss.dll), forcing a reboot. Upon logon thereafter, I get a Win32 Application error, relating to the RPC service.

I did some googling, finding that the error could be caused by a Blaster worm. So I downloaded the latest security updates for the OS, and a patch specifically for fixing the RPC worm vulnerability. I also downloaded a Blaster worm removal tool from Symmantec, and did a full scan with Spybot S&D... both turning up nothing.

One note to add: I haven't installed SP2 for Server 2003 because it renders my CS:S servers inoperable for some strange reason.

Was hoping someone here could offer some further insight to what might be going on. Many thanks in advance for any help.

The reason SP2 kills your app server is likely due to the fact that SP2 automatically re-enables and starts the Windows Firewall, even if it was disabled before.

I found this out during testing of the new SP2, however it was really a non-issue for me since I hav e it disabled through Group Policy.

You might want to apply that SP2 and check if the Windows Firewall is enabled afterward; it may just be the fix you're looking for.

It might, but let me explain what happens.

I start my Counter-Strike servers with batch files. The batch file runs srcds.exe. But if SP2 is installed, srcds.exe terminates unexpectedly, but the batch file forces it to start again. This process loops continually until I kill the batch file. During the crashes, Steam logs an error log that can be opened via VisualBasic Studio.

Do you think that the firewall issue would cause the game app to behave like this? And as far as I know, Server 2003 doesn't come with a firewall in SP1, correct?

Depends; does the app need to contact steam before it'll continue running?

Try unplugging your NIC and running your batch file...same problem? Better yet, if the firewall is disabled, just enable and start it to see if the same problem happens...

Do you have anti-virus installed on the server? I know you mentioned you ran Symantec tool to find the worm and spybot, but did you have an anti-virus scanner scan the machine?

Hmm... never thought of unplugging the nic. Will try that. I do have anti-virus installed, but it's not Symmantec, it's Sophos. The symmantec thing was just a removal tool to remove the W32.Blaster.worm.

And I tried looking for the firewall in my Windows Server, but I can't find it. Don't i have to install SP2 before the firewall appears?

Start -> Run -> "services.msc" and hit enter (no quotes)

Scroll down to 'Windows Firewall'...set to 'disabled' and stop the service.

Well, I isntalled SP1 on my server, and disabled the firewall. But here's the weird part: All three of my counter-strike servers will run except for my GunGame server... with or without the firewall turned on.

I'm thinking one of the mods is freaking out, because each counter-strike game is running different mods.

SP1 or SP2?

Quote: Originally Posted by Joose SP1 or SP2?

SP1. Sorry, I've been talking about SP2 when I really meant SP1. I just installed the first service pack for Server 2003.

OMG. Why not try a SP2 install? They have these SP's for a reason, you kno

As always, CYA (cover your ass)

Well, I installed SP2... but no dice. The game server continues to crash repeatedly. But I did some troubleshooting, and narrowed down the problem to find that the ES_Tools addon for Counter-Strike Source is causing the crash. I'll take this problem over to Mattie Info and further my search for help there.

Thanks for the help any Joose.