Troubleshooting the “Failed to Connect to Remote Distribution Point” Error

Step 1: Temporarily Disable the Firewall

First, check if the Windows Firewall is obstructing the connection. Disable the firewall as a temporary measure while you are configuring SCCM. Should the issue resolve, add an exception to your firewall settings before reactivating it.

Pro Tip: Always re-enable the firewall after troubleshooting to maintain security.

Step 2: Enable IIS 6 WMI Compatibility

The IIS 6 WMI Compatibility role is essential for ensuring that SCCM can manage deployment effectively. To activate this role, perform the following steps:

• Open the Server Manager.
• Select Manage > Add Roles and Features, and continue with the wizard.
• Opt for Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
• Expand Web Server (IIS) in the Server Roles section, then Management Tools, checking the box for IIS 6 Management Compatibility.
• Push Next and finalize the installation if prompted for additional features.

Make sure to check if the connectivity issue has been resolved thereafter.

Step 3: Activate Windows Authentication in IIS

Windows Authentication allows secure user validation, which might be necessary for proper IIS function. To enable it, do the following:

• Navigate to Server Manager > Manage > Add Roles and Features.
• Proceed to the Server Roles tab, checking the Windows Authentication box.
• Complete the installation and restart IIS from the Services management console.

After taking these steps, confirm if the original connectivity issue still exists.

Step 4: Parse an MOF File on the Target Server

MOF files, particularly smsdpprov.mof, are crucial for SCCM functionality. To parse it, locate the file, usually found at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Configuration Manager\bin\x64, move it to a different folder, and run the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:

mofcomp.exe smsdpprov.mof

If the operation is successful, a confirmatory message will appear. Restart your machine after this step and check if the problem is resolved.

Step 5: Disable RPC Hardening

While RPC hardening enhances security, it can impede connections to the Distribution Point. To disable it, follow these instructions:

1. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole\AppCompat.
2. Look for RequireIntegrityActivationAuthenticationLevel. If absent, create a new DWORD named the same.
3. Set the Value data to 0 and exit the editor.

After completing these steps, restart your computer and verify if the connectivity issue has been mitigated.

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