Windows 7x64: different feedback from Putty and command line client

Question

I'm trying to telnet to a port on an Ubuntu server from a Windows 7x64 machine. When I use Putty it gives me a "Connection closed by remote host" error. When I use the windows telnet client from the command prompt, I get a blank screen with a blinking cursor and no error. When I type anything and press ENTER the telnet client exits.

What is most likely:

• Putty is lying and I actually can connect to the port
• The command line client is just not good at giving feedback when it can't connect

EDIT: When I telnet to the port 22 (SSH) the remote host sends a message "SSH-2.0-OpenSSH_5...." - I guess if the other port I'm attempting to reach were open it would say something? I'd love someone to confirm.

Answer 1

The remote host is closing the connection as soon as it gets any traffic through the stream, otherwise PuTTY would be reporting "connection refused."

This tends to be an issue with a firewall of some sort, but can also indicate issues with the listening service.

What service is it that you are connecting to?

Answer 2

To find out for sure, run Wireshark on your Windows machine during the connections.