Boinc doesn't recognize Seti@home

Questions and Answers : Windows : Boinc doesn't recognize Seti@home
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Jack
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Message 1504792 - Posted: 16 Apr 2014, 16:37:29 UTC

I recently bought a new computer after my old one bit the dust. Uploaded Boinc and tried to attach to Seti@home through the Boinc list. The Boinc error message says "Project not found", "The URL you supplied is not that of a Boinc-based project. Please check the url and try again.". I've tried many times. I even checked my firewall to see if Boinc is listed (it is).

I went to the Seti website to see if I could attach there and can't find a way to do it.

I received a message from Seti that says I am missed. I'd like to re-attach, but don't know how.

Suggestions?

I'm running Windows 7.
Jack
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Message 1504811 - Posted: 16 Apr 2014, 17:05:08 UTC

A questions:
Where did you get "BOINC" from - the "official" location is http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download.php
This (should) contain the current valid link to the SETI@Home (I think it changed sometime ago, so if you are trying to use an old copy then it might have a few problems).

To re-attach you will need to know the email address (and password) you used for your previous "incarnation". When you get to the page that asks "returning or new" user, select returning, enter that email address, password and the attachment process should start automatically.
(I guess you know the information as your header info says you had a credit of ~200k)
Bob Smith
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Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?
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Message 1504826 - Posted: 16 Apr 2014, 17:36:40 UTC - in response to Message 1504811.  

I downloaded Boinc from the Seti site. It is the newest version. All old versions went out with the old computer and I'm starting fresh. When I first installed Boinc and the list of projects came up, I clicked on Seti@home and an error message said Seti was not available (maintenance?), so I waited a few days and tried again...using the same list in Boinc. Tryng several times over the past couple of weeks and all I get is the above error message saying Seti is not a Boinc project.

I'm logged in and everything looks good, I just can't attach to Seti.
Jack
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Message 1504833 - Posted: 16 Apr 2014, 17:47:43 UTC - in response to Message 1504826.  

Try uninstalling it and download a fresh installer and reinstall. Maybe something got corrupted after the first attempt.
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Message 1504892 - Posted: 16 Apr 2014, 19:52:58 UTC - in response to Message 1504826.  

I have seen some problems lately with dns servers on the Internet.
Try changing your DNS server.
8.8.8.8 is Google's and it usually works.
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Message 1505228 - Posted: 17 Apr 2014, 15:48:17 UTC - in response to Message 1504892.  

Tried removing and re-installing. No good. Same message.

You lost me about the dns server suggestion.
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Message 1505243 - Posted: 17 Apr 2014, 16:46:14 UTC - in response to Message 1505228.  

Did you try typing in the web address directly into the field at the bottom of the attach project page? or only using the click add button?

http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/

if you didn't, then try to type it in and see if it will attach. If still no go, let us know.
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Message 1505425 - Posted: 18 Apr 2014, 2:02:16 UTC - in response to Message 1505228.  

Tried removing and re-installing. No good. Same message.

You lost me about the dns server suggestion.


In Windows &, click on start, right menu click on Help and Support,
type in DNS in the search window and click Enter.

Read and proceed as needed through the first two items.
If you have fixed your problem it is polite to report back and say what
fixed your problem so others may find the fix doing a search for it in the
future.
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Message 1511373 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 16:36:27 UTC - in response to Message 1505243.  
Last modified: 2 May 2014, 16:41:10 UTC

Sorry it took so long. I was about to give up, but decided to try again. I was using the drop-down menu....no good. This time I tried manually entering the URL. Same thing. Error message says that URL is not a BOINC project. I haven't tried changing the server. I'm reluctant to go where I'm ignorant of what I'm doing. What server would I be changing? Hopefully not my IP server.

I've been with Seti for many years and have never had this problem until I bought this new computer.

It is a HP with far more than the minimum requirements running Windows 7 with all the updates.

Puzzling!

I just tried to attach to a different project and it didn't work either. Exact same error message.
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Message 1511430 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 17:37:34 UTC - in response to Message 1511373.  

When you uninstalled and reinstalled, did you power off the computer and restart before you tried to reinstall? And it was a new installer? Sometimes things stay in memory even thou you put them in the trash and delete. All I have. Hopefully someone else has some ideas. Sorry


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Message 1511432 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 17:45:07 UTC

The clues posted so far indicate that BOINC is unable to reach the websites, suggesting that a firewall or DNS issue is at play. What firewall is in use?
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Message 1511441 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 18:22:36 UTC - in response to Message 1511432.  

Windows Firewall, managed by Norton 360. Just for kicks, I turned off the firewall and tried to attach Seti. Still no go.

The DNS thing is beyond my pay grade. Reading about it is like trying to understand Chinese.It's like poking around in the dark when you're not familiar with your surroundings. I've tried things like that before and really screwed things up. Keep in mind I'm nearing 75 and grew up with a pencil in my hand.

I really want to get Seti going again, but if I can't, I guess it'll be time to retire from Seti, too.
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Message 1511454 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 18:37:22 UTC - in response to Message 1511441.  

Can you attach any other projects like Einstein, ABC or Asteroids? I'm just curious if it's just Seti or all the projects. If it's just Seti that helps to narrow it down some. If its all projects then that points us in another direction
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Message 1511520 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 21:23:42 UTC - in response to Message 1511441.  

Windows Firewall, managed by Norton 360. Just for kicks, I turned off the firewall and tried to attach Seti. Still no go.


In my past experiences of talking with Norton 360 owners, "turning it off" isn't sufficient. You must actively make sure the application is completely removed from memory, otherwise it still blocks things "to protect you".

Way back in the day, I used to be a big fan of Norton products (hello Norton Utilities 5.0 for DOS!). I stopped enjoying their products right around SystemWorks 2005. In my professional opinion, I think you should get rid of it entirely.
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Message 1511523 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 21:41:03 UTC - in response to Message 1511454.  

As stated previously, I did try one other with the same result. I don't remember the exact title, but it was something to do with weather change.
Jack
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Message 1511527 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 21:47:41 UTC - in response to Message 1511520.  
Last modified: 2 May 2014, 22:01:12 UTC

I've been using Norton 360 since first available and it has never blocked any Boinc projects. It is the same Norton that I've been using all along, so I can't believe that is my problem. What I'm saying is the Norton I'm using now is the same as the one I was using before my old computer died. Something has to be wrong with my new computer setup or the newer version of Boinc that I just downloaded. Those are the only things that I'm aware of that have changed...new computer and latest version of Boinc.

I checked to make sure Boinc is listed in the allowed applications. It is and has been all along. It connects with Boinc, but goes no further. At the bottom of the Boinc Manager, is the notation "Connected to local host (7.2.42)". I assume this means I'm properly connected...or does it?

I just tried Einstein with the same result.
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Message 1511530 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 21:59:39 UTC - in response to Message 1511527.  
Last modified: 2 May 2014, 22:02:05 UTC

I'd be willing to bet money that Norton 360 is blocking. I'd also be willing to bet you had to setup rules on your previous computer to allow BOINC through. It is known that Norton and other firewall products do block BOINC and any other software from going out to the internet... that is their purpose. Indeed, they are too invasive and intrusive. Windows' built in firewall is more than sufficient.

Norton 360 must be configured to allow BOINC.EXE access to the internet over port 80 and 443. If you did not do that configuration on your new computer, then Norton indeed would be blocking it.

Since we know BOINC works for other people setting up projects, we can eliminate that from your two possibilities, leaving only your new computer setup... which means we're back to the firewall.


Did you try exiting the application completely and making sure it is not resident in RAM?

I checked to make sure Boinc is listed in the allowed applications. It is and has been all along. It connects with Boinc, but goes no further. At the bottom of the Boinc Manager, is the notation "Connected to local host (7.2.42)". I assume this means I'm properly connected...or does it?


BOINC does two different types of communication over TCP/IP that firewalls like to interfere with. BOINC Manager (BOINCMGR.EXE) communicates with the BOINC Core Client (BOINC.EXE) over TCP port 31416. BOINC.EXE communicates with projects over TCP ports 80 and 443.

When it says at the bottom "Connected to local host", that means we know that you have allowed BOINCMGR.EXE to communicate with BOINC.EXE, but it is not indicative of BOINC being allowed to communicate over the internet.
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Message 1511553 - Posted: 2 May 2014, 23:44:00 UTC

I certainly appreciate all the attempts at helping me through this problem, but I'm so frustrated that I'm about to flick it in. It's like staggering through a pitch black cave and no light at the end of the tunnel. I've been everywhere and tried everything I can find that might make a difference....and nothing has. I can only hope I've not screwed it up to the point of no return.

Maybe after I have a chance to cool off, I'll tackle it again.

Thanks everyone.
Jack
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Message 1511559 - Posted: 3 May 2014, 0:14:41 UTC - in response to Message 1511553.  

I'm so frustrated ...

Here are 5 simple steps:

Allowing a blocked program:
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v6958602_N360_N360OEM_6_en_us

Did you already know this?
Especially "To allow a blocked program from the Security History window" seems to be a way to go

There have to be something in that History (log) window about BOINC activity
"4. Select the firewall activity that is associated with the blocked program"


(I never used Norton 360, I found this info by Google for 4-5 minutes. I'm over 50, started with FORTRAN and punch cards ;) )
 


- ALF - "Find out what you don't do well ..... then don't do it!" :)
 
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Message 1511579 - Posted: 3 May 2014, 1:25:08 UTC - in response to Message 1511559.  

I followed your link. First part...been there several times....no good. Second part was new to me. Followed steps 1-4, but 5,6 were not there. Another dead end.

I predate the punched cards. Worked on punched tape for a couple of years 1962-1967 before leaving the field for steel fabrication. Then built my first computer with a Heath/Zenith in ~1980. Was on top of things for ~10 years then technology left me in the dust.
Jack
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Questions and Answers : Windows : Boinc doesn't recognize Seti@home


 
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