[pptp-server] Select() errors --- client or server???

[Brian Aust]

Rumour around here seems to have it that "CTRL:  select() error" messages
appearing in the /var/log/messages file are generally a result of a fubar'd
Windoze client setup, as opposed to anything wrong on the poptop server.
Here's a sample set:

Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie pptpd[20208]: CTRL: Client 24.162.230.175 control
connection started
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie pptpd[20208]: CTRL: Starting call (launching pppd,
opening GRE)
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie kernel: CSLIP: code copyright 1989 Regents of the
University of California
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie kernel: PPP: version 2.3.7 (demand dialling)
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie kernel: PPP line discipline registered.
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie kernel: registered device ppp0
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: pppd 2.3.8 started by root, uid 0
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: Using interface ppp0
Jun 28 01:21:30 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: Connect: ppp0 <--> /dev/pts/2
Jun 28 01:21:59 bnyatalie pptpd[20208]: CTRL: Error with select(), quitting
Jun 28 01:21:59 bnyatalie pptpd[20208]: CTRL: Client 24.162.230.175 control
connection finished
Jun 28 01:21:59 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: Modem hangup
Jun 28 01:21:59 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: Connection terminated.
Jun 28 01:21:59 bnyatalie pppd[20209]: Exit.  

I've tried numerous server configurations, always on stock RedHat6.2 box,
with poptop 1.0.0, along with ppp of either 2.3.8 or 2.3.11.

The Windoze client is always W98 SE.  I have done EVERYTHING imaginable on
this W98 client -- uninstall DUN, reinstall DUN, install msdun128.exe
128-bit DUN upgrade.....   then even so far as to remove all dialup and
ethernet adapters, so there's nothing in the Network control panel, then
reinstalling everything.

SOMETIMES the connection works and i can get in and browse the LAN -- but
only about 10-15% of the time.  Most usually the W98 client hangs on the
"Verifying Username....." screen.


Sooo......    a few questions:

1.  Has anyone determined what causes these select() errors?

2.  Those of you who have a consistently working VPN --- what Windoze
clients are you using?  NT?  98 (1E or 2E)?, 2000?   Any other patches
besides the DUN128-bit upgrade?

3.  For NT's DUN, I don't see any way possible to select "Microsoft VPN
adapter", especially since it doesn't seem possible to save DUN profiles for
each server.... even after installing PPTP.  Can PoPToP be used with NT DUN
clients?

4.  Would anyone recommend bumping up to PoPToP 1.1.1 development version to
fix this?  I've really run out of options, run out of things to try to get a
working, consistent VPN going.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated guys,

Cheers,
Brian

Brian R. Aust
Manager of Information Technology
Health Decisions, Inc.
1512 East Franklin St.  Suite 200
Chapel Hill, NC   27514
919.967.2399 x247
baust at healthdec.com