Error: Invalid file dsn ''

Products

• Carbon Black App Control (formerly Cb Protection)

Issue/Introduction

• Error accessing the console:
  • Network error while trying to communicate with App Control Server Error: Could not connect to host 
• Serverlog.bt9 shows error: Connection attempt failed: General error: Invalid file dsn ''

Environment

• App Control Server: All Supported Versions

Cause

• Agent Cache Corruption
• App Control server service is unable to to access C:\Program Files (x86)\Bit9\Parity Server\shepherd.dsn
• Process Injection from another application

Resolution

1. Confirm the service account used for the App Control server service has access to C:\Program Files (x86)\Bit9\Parity Server\shepherd.dsn
2. Stop the agent
3. If issue stops, clear corrupted cache
4. If issue still persists, capture a procmon and contact Support