# Unable to connect to Distribution Server

**Last Updated On**: 17 Nov 2025  
**4 minutes read**

## Problem

While trying to download the bootable media, the target machine can't connect to the Distribution Server installed machine.

## Causes

1. The target machine is not in the same network as the Distribution Server.
2. The HTTP/HTTPS ports are not reachable from the target machine.
3. The HTTP/HTTPS ports are blocked in the Distribution Server by a firewall or antivirus.
4. Issues while configuring the Distribution Server.

## Resolution

### Ensure that the Distribution Server is reachable from the target machine.

From the target machine, follow the steps given below:

1. Open the command prompt.
2. Execute the following command:

```
ping <distribution_server_IP>
```

Where `distribution_server_IP` is the IP address of the machine where the Distribution Server is running.

3. Ensure that server is reachable using ping statistics.
4. If not, contact your network administrator.

### Check the reachability of the HTTP port and HTTPS port

1. Open the command prompt.
2. Execute the following commands:

```
telnet <DS Server IP> <http port number>
telnet <DS Server IP> <https port number>
```

Example:

```
telnet 192.168.139.116 8021
telnet 192.168.139.116 8384
```

3. If it opens a blank command prompt, the port is reachable. If not, proceed to step 3.

#### Steps for enabling Telnet in Windows:

1. Go to **Control Panel → Programs and Features**.
2. Click **Turn Windows features on or off**.
3. Select **Telnet client** and click **OK**.

### Check if Windows Defender Firewall blocks HTTP or HTTPS ports

1. Navigate to **Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall** on the Distribution Server machine.
2. If the firewall is disabled, proceed with Step #4.
3. If enabled, go to **Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule**.
4. Select **Port**, specify HTTP/HTTPS port numbers (e.g., 8021, 8384).
5. Allow the connection, name the rule, and click **Finish**.

### Check if Antivirus blocks communication

If you have antivirus software installed on the Distribution Server machine, ensure that its settings do not block communication with the target machine.

### Check if the Distribution Server is running with a valid IP address

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`.
2. Search for **ManageEngine UEMS - Distribution Server**.
3. Ensure the status of the service is **"Running"**. If not, start the service manually.

In the web console:

1. Navigate to the **Agent page → Remote Offices**.
2. Check if the IP address of the Distribution Server is valid.
3. If not, click **Action → Modify → Update with a valid IP address** and click **Modify**.

If the issue persists, contact support for further assistance.