How to fix when connecting to any server results in “Connecting to ‘…’” window that will leave up all day

nasNetworksnow leopard

Along with myself, a couple other people in my office are having the same issue as I. Below, I will go through all the steps I've taken thus far (it's been a long time) and the results if I have them/can remember them.

Issue: When connecting to any server (smb, vnc, doesn't matter) the connection never initializes. It stays at the "Connecting to '…'" window. I can leave it up all day and it won't complete nor will it error out.

Current workaround: Create a new profile on the computer, and either User Switch or Migrate to that user.


Troubleshooting steps taken:

  1. Ping. I can ping all and any servers fine. It returns with reasonable times, and resolves the host fine. If it's a webserver, I can go to it from any browser no problem.

  2. Log. I can't find anything relating to when I first attempt connection, or anything during the duration of the attempt. Checked all logs that seemed relevant, and got nothing.

  3. Netstat. Routing tables match the new user account fine.

  4. sysctl.conf. Added the following:

    net.inet.tcp.delayed_ack=0
    net.inet.tcp.mssdflt=1440
    net.inet.tcp.sendspace=250000
    net.inet.tcp.recvspace=250000

    Rebooted, still nothing.

  5. Reset PRAM. Nope.

  6. Reset SMC. Nope.

  7. Connect to server on new account, then try to access it on the broken one. Drops connection to the server and dissapears from finder.

  8. Delete Finder.plist. Didn't help.

  9. Disable local firewall. Nope.

  10. Connect using static IP and DNS name. Nope.


I've probably tried more along the way, but have forgotten.

Best Answer

Try this: rm ~/Library/Preferences/.GlobalPreferences.plist

It's an invisible preference