Cannot see Green Button with white arrow in object explorer; DTC config problems?

Question

I have SQL Servers across locations setup for replication. One of the SQL Server instances that I installed, running locally I can see the green button with the white arrow in the object explorer when I connect to it. However, when I connect to it from any other location, I cannot see that or neither can I start or Stop the SQL Serer Agent; even though locally I am able to do that.

Additionally, the MDTC doesn't has only 2 items sent both with were rejected, where as other servers have 100's committed and sent. Is there something wrong with the DTC settings?

Please help.

Answer 1

Your best bet is to download DTCPing (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=2868) and run it from both machines. If I recall correctly, the servers initially talk over the RPC port (135) and then negotiate a random, high port (above 1024) to continue the transaction on. There is a registry entry that will allow you to limit the ports RPC chooses, but it will apply to all RPC calls not just DTC calls. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908472

Answer 2

I have MSSQL servers across locations setup for replication. One of the MSSQL server that I installed, running locally I can see the green button with the white arrow in the object explorer when I connect to it. However, when I connect to it from any other location, I cannot see that or neither can I start or Stop the SQL Serer Agent; even though locally I am able to do that.

Most likely caused by WMI service (windows Management Instrumentation) on the machine housing SQL server being blocked by firewall, make sure that you open appropriate ports (Port 135) and other dynamically assign ports used by WMI.

Another reason you are accessing SQL server using SQL Authentication in non trusted domains.