SharePoint search errors on Windows Server 2019

Symptoms

When running SharePoint on Windows Server 2019 you see errors when searching, which include a Correlation ID.

Cause

A non-SharePoint pre-defined rule called "Windows Communication Foundation Net.TCP Listener Adapter (TCP-In)" is intended to allow port 808. However, in Windows Server 2019, it is tied to the following file:

"%systemroot%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v3.0\Windows Communication Foundation\SMSvcHost.exe"

In previous versions of Windows Server, this rule did not specify a program location.

The task manager shows that the version SharePoint uses is located here:

C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\SMSvcHost.exe

The rule will not run since the program locations do not match, causing SharePoint to throw errors.

Workaround

To work around this problem, create a rule that allows port 808 for any application under Inbound rules by using the following steps:

1. In the Windows Server Start menu, type Windows Firewall. (Or open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall.)
2. Select Advanced Settings in the left-hand pane, and then Inbound Rules.
3. In the Actions pane on the right, select New Rule.
4. In the New Rule wizard, select Port and then select Next.
5. Select the TCP check box, select the Specific local ports check box, enter 808, and then select Next.
6. Select Allow the connection and then select Next.
7. Select which profiles to apply the rule to. (The default is to have all three selected.)
8. Enter a rule name and select Finish.

More information

Still need help? Go to Microsoft Community.