PORT_ERROR from win7 PCs (v1.6.6)

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After trying to join my (self hosted) network the first time, I have the same problem on multiple Windows 7 pro PCs, described here:

Dont know how to solve the error log from port_error_log

I trying to connect to my network, but failed, and I found this error from the port_error_log.txt unable to create new device instance: UpdateDriverForPlugAndPlayDevices() failed (made 60 attempts), I search but rarely seem the result related to zerotier. I can see the new member in the zerotier control panel, but in the client side the network part is grey and cannot see any information. The device is inside my company’s network it has internet access but I dont know if it blocks some of the …

There are other Win10 PCs on the same networks, those can connect fine.
So obviously it’s not a router problem.

I have at home 2 Win7PRO PCs, those can connect fine. (Other ISP.)

What can I do?

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The interesting thing is, that it gets an IP from the controller, but it is not applied to the PC itself (not showing on VNC, can not connect)

Probably it gets the setup from the server, but can not apply to the ZT virtal network adapter for some reason.

The LOG at C:\ProgramData\ZeroTier\One\ERROR_PORT_LOG.txt
says:

f2a*************: unable to create new device instance: UpdateDriverForPlugAndPlayDevices() failed (made 60 attempts)

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The good news is:

• I’ve found the FAQ, which tells how to handle this kind of error:

Windows FAQ | ZeroTier Documentation

But:

That method does not work!

1. Right click >> install on the zttap300.inf file gives an error. (Something like: this INF is not allowing that kind of method.)

2. To install the driver, You must:

   • open “Device Manager” as admin
   • search for “Network devices” >> “Unknown device”
   • double click >> driver tab >> update driver
   • choose the path ( I think : C:\ProgramData\ZeroTier\One\ )
   • If a big red warning window appears, click the “Install …yes, I’m aware of the risks …”

3. The third problem I’ve faced: After successfully installed this driver, no matter what I did, (reconnected, restarted service, etc.,) the adapter did not get an IP address.
   Than I’ve realized: the network adapter is set from “DHCP” to FIX ip, but every field is empty.

Setting an “alternative IP” on the 2th TAB of IPv4 setting helped.

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I was happy too soon.

Yes, setting an alternative IP helps, ZT networks started working. Great!
But it also killed internet from the PC !! (Because of the 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 … gateway ZT added automatically)

If I delete that route, internet comes back, but ZT network fails again. 22’s trap.

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After installing the driver directly at device manager,
and restarting the whole PC, problem solved.
I’ve experienced the same behaviour on many other Win7 PCs since than.

The solution was to following the steps I wrote above.

Sometimes it was enough to install the driver for that “Unknown device” under “Network Cards” and ZT immediately connected. No restart was necessary.

PS: About 100 opened ports:

• there PORT_ERROR has nothing to do with the fact, that ZT is opening all those ports I’ve shared pictures above.
• Both v1.12.2 and latest v1.14 is doing the same. Not just the older v1.6.6 .