Unable to replicate a new SNMP string

[Steve Kadish]

Hi all,

I am trying to change the SNMP strings on my servers to new, long, complex passphrases. I want to use the "Replicate Agent Settings" function of SIM, but I'm running into a snag.

Every time I change the SNMP strings on a server, and try to use that server as a replication target, "HP Foundation Agent" is no longer listed on the "Step 3: Choose Source Configuration Settings" screen. (See the attached bitmap.) Therefore I can't choose the SNMP strings as a replication option. I've seen this consistently on three different servers.

Is this a bug? Does anyone have an explanation for it?

I would use the "Configure and Repair Agents" function, but that in fact will add a new community string, not change the existing one. You also cannot specify the READ-CREATE string using that function.

Thanks,
- Steve

[Albert Austin]

Hi,
Is the Foundation Agent link available via the SMH on those servers?

[Steve Kadish]

Yes, it does. Nothing appears wrong on the SMH. I should also add that I changed both the Global and System Protocol Settings to include the new SNMP strings.

Thanks,
- Steve

[Steve Kadish]

Well, after much tedious experimentation, I've solved this mystery. It seems that Systems Insight Manager doesn't support the character '&' in an SNMP string. It's supported by Windows, but it breaks the "Replicate Agent Settings" function. As soon as I replaced it with another character, everything worked again.

I also have the '@' and '!' characters in strings but they don't seem to bother it!

- Steve