Can't Connect to an eMac with ARD 3.1

Question

Hi
I am having difficulty connecting to an eMac (G4 1GHz with 1 GB RAM) using ARD 3.1 unlimited.
The eMac shows up in the list of computers when accessed through an Airport network and through the Internet using a fixed IP address. Using ARD, I was able to update the ARD client software and change the access privileges from my G4 Powerbook, but I cannot establish a connection to observe or control the computer. Even connecting them directly to each other with a cat 5e Ethernet cable wouldn't allow me to control or observe the eMac.
I have a 20" iMac G4 at home that works flawlessly through Airport and through the Internet using it's static IP from a different Internet service provider.
What am I missing?
Thanks
Brent
AL PB 15   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

Answer 1

Hi Again
I spoke with Apple Support about my problem. The summary of my conversation is this:
1 - The client software must be version 3.1 if ARD is 3.1. I had the 3.1 client on the problem eMac all along – installed it with ARD in fact.
2 - Since I can connect to other computers it is not the software that is the problem.
3 - He suggested turning off the firewall on the problem eMac. I did and lo and behold I can observe and control it. Since all the other functions work with the firewall on he tells me it's then a problem with the firewall rules. But I only use Mac OS X 10.4's built in firewall settings, i.e. I click the buttons beside services and go from there. I have never altered the OS's rules with the preference panel (not allowed to by the OS) or with terminal (don't know how). I find it quite odd that on this one machine I can't observe and control it using Apple Inc.'s firewall settings.
4 - My basic support package with the unlimited version of ARD does not include the tech helping me set up a new firewall. Here in Canada that's CAN$599 for not being able to help with what is definitely an Apple problem. Hmm.
Everyone who is having similar problems should try turning off the firewall to see if that remedies the problem. If it does then setting up a new firewall in the sharing preferences and setting your own rules is the answer. Simply copying the settings for TCP and UDP ports that Apple uses should work I’m guessing. I'll try and it see.
Wish me luck; the tech from Apple did!
Brent