What is "mDNSResponder"?

Question

Level 3

887 points

What is "mDNSResponder"?

Whenever I start up my PowerBook, I get a message asking me if I want to "Allow" or "Deny" this to accept incoming connections. I also get a message asking the same question for "configd". The messages warn that if I deny it I'll be unable to connect to a network or the Internet. However, when I click on "Allow" I STILL can't connect. The only way I've found to be able to connect is to go to System Preferences>Security>Firewall and select "Allow all incoming connections" which I interpret as disabling the Firewall.

Active: iMac (G5, G4), Powerbook G4, iPhone, iPod, MP2100 Retired: iMac G3, A2c, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Mac OS 10.5.8, Mac OS 9.2.2, iPhone OS 3.0, Newton OS 2.1

Posted on Dec 16, 2009 8:33 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Dec 16, 2009 12:45 PM in response to romad

From the prefPane: "The firewall will block all sharing services, such as file sharing, screen sharing, iChat Bonjour, and iTunes music sharing. If you want to allow sharing services, click Advanced and deselect the “Block all incoming connections” checkbox." Additionally, with the firewall on, basic internet services are available. As for mDNSResponder start with a google search.

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Answer 2

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Dec 16, 2009 1:54 PM in response to baltwo

mDNSresponder/Bonjour, also known as zero-configuration networking, enables automatic discovery of computers, devices, and services on IP networks.

Maybe you'll find something in this rather long thread that addresses your situation.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1314540&start=0&tstart=0

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Answer 3

romad Author

Level 3

887 points

Dec 16, 2009 3:40 PM in response to baltwo

Ah, which prePane are you referring to? I don't have that in the Firewall tab of the Security Control Panel in Mac OS 10.5.8. I have:

Allow all incoming connections
Allow only essential services
Set access for specific services and applications

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Answer 4

romad Author

Level 3

887 points

Dec 16, 2009 3:51 PM in response to WZZZ

Bingo! That describes it exactly! I realize now that the problem started occurring after my most recent battery conditioning (leave PowerBook on until it runs the battery down and then recharge the battery.)

I'll have to try the suggested fixes.

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Answer 5

romad Author

Level 3

887 points

Dec 16, 2009 5:01 PM in response to WZZZ

Following the suggestion to re-install the latest 10.5.x COMBO Update seems to have worked, at least on a restart. Now I'll have to shutdown the PowerBook and then re-boot to see what happens.

Message was edited by: romad

OK. I shutdown and then after a minute, powered up again. NO mDNSResponder or configd messages! I did get something about an IP address in use but I can connect to the Internet.

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Answer 6

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Dec 16, 2009 5:04 PM in response to romad

Sorry, I used the Snow Leopard version, which I didn't think was any different than Leopard's. Glad to hear you've solved the issue.

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Answer 7

romad Author

Level 3

887 points

Dec 17, 2009 7:12 AM in response to baltwo

Yep, for all of Apple's statements about Snow Leopard not having major changes from Leopard, there do seem to be a bunch popping up. 🙂

Leopard is the last OS I can use since I only have G4 & G5 machines. Maybe when I can get an Intel iMac or MacBookPro for less than $500, I can move into Snow Leopard.

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