Login problem via telnet

[pfilippone]

SCO Openserver 5.0.4

I attempt to telnet to the server from a Windows PC. Telnet 192.168.1.40. On the first attempt there's no login prompt. A few minutes later I get disconnected. If I try again within a minute, it works and works normal (fast).

At first I thought the server was trying to resolve the hostname via a nonexistant DNS. But that would not explain why it works fast on the second attempt.

Also, connecting via serial terminal works fine.

I tried using both Microsoft's built-in telnet and NetTerm.

ANY IDEAS / SUGGESTIONS are APPRECIATED!

 

[pfilippone]

As a follow up to the previous post:

incoming FTP requests are also affected (an error the first time, and OK the 2nd time).

/usr/adm/syslog has numerous messages like these two:

Mar 3 07:08:48 news ftpd[24296]: sleeping: fcntl of pid file failed: Permission
denied
Mar 3 09:06:28 news telnetd[15609]: can't find user in protected password data
base

Also, /usr/adm/wtmpx@ file is 7MB. I think that's abnormally large.

HELP!?