# Error Starting Distribution Server - Port Already In Use

## Problem

Could not start the Distribution Server in the specified port. You will see an error as "Unable to start DS Server" in the SoM page of the Endpoint Central Console.

## Cause

This error will occur if the HTTP/HTTPS port of the Distribution Server is occupied by some other application. The same error will occur on the both the cases, viz.

1. When you create and install the Distribution Server for the first time.
2. When you edit and change the port number of the Distribution Server later.

## Resolution

You can resolve this issue as follows:

### Check and Free the Port of Distribution Server

In the computer where the Distribution Server is installed, open a **command prompt** and enter the following command and check whether the port is occupied:

```
netstat -an
```

Free the port by stopping the application using that port or changing the port of that application to a different port. Distribution Server gets started automatically and updates the status back to the Endpoint Central Server during the next replication time.

### Change the Distribution Server Port

If you cannot stop the application and free the port, you can change the port number of the Distribution Server as below:

1. Select SoM --> Remote Offices tab.
2. Click the Modify icon pertaining to that remote office from the Action column. This opens the Remote Office details dialog.
3. Change the DS HTTP Port and DS HTTPS Port numbers and click Modify.

The port number automatically gets updated in the Distribution Server during the next Replication Interval. Upon successful startup of the Distribution Server the **DS Sync Status** gets updated.

## More Information

**Applies to:** Remote Office, Distribution Server Installation

**Keywords:** Remote Office, Manage Computers Across WAN, Distribution Server, SoM, Distributed Management

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