Why do I see the "ipc connection error, connection refused" error?

On my side, I also faced the error "ipc connection error, connection refused". After activating the debug log, I saw I just needed to declare the client in the server configuration :
- launch Synergy on the master/server computer
- clic on "Configure Server"
- drag and drop a new screen on the screen layout
- double clic this screen and name it with the client name (defaut client name is the computer name)
- validate and apply the configuration

Go to Task Manager, Services Tab, Scroll down to "Synergy" and make sure the status is "Running" If the status is "Stopped", right click it and hit "Start Service"

I came up with a solution for WinXP SP2, we have a certain application that disallows the upgrade to SP3. When installing 1.4.10, right click the installer, install as admin, and UNCHECK the "protect from viruses" checkbox. Worked flawlessly for me after many failed attempts to install. I was getting the repetitive "ipc connection refused". Now it's perfect.

I have Win 7 64 on server and a fresh install of Windows XP SP2 32 Bit. Installed Synergy. Would not connect. Installed Service Pack 3 and updates, uninstalled Synergy, then re-installed Synergy. Connected up right after and is working great. Seems to require SP3.

I had this issue as well after installing 1.4.10 to work with a new Client (Windows 7 x64 server with Windows XP x86 client). I made the mistake of not looking clearly and accidently downloading the 7zip installer (named synergy.exe) from an ad. After that point IE refused to open, nor would Windows Update. As such the installer was not able to add items to the Start Menu and also missed DLLs that are needed.

I had to reformat and reinstall Windows on the client (where I was getting the error). This time I ran all available Windows Updates first. Then downloaded Synergy (correctly the first-time). Then it installed and connected just fine.

I found that installing the 32bit version on my 64bit system solved the problem (Windows 7)

I have exactly the same problem on a brand new installation of Windows XP SP3 32bit. It will not connect not matter what, brand new version of synergy downloaded today (5 Dec 2012). From my experience it has nothing to do with SP2. It will not work under SP3 either... I guess the installation has to do something with it since I didn't see a service running either. I guess I was wrong donating before trying out the software. Uninstalling from both computers. What a waste of my time...

I was experiencing this problem on a fresh install of Windows XP SP2. Installing Service Pack 3, uninstalling Synergy, then re-installing Synergy is the solution that worked for me. I do not believe that the current version of Synergy works with Windows XP SP2 and requires SP3 to work properly.

i had the same problem with it, but i REALLY WAS RUNNING Windows x64!! I tried everything, uninstalling, reinstalling, sc delete, etc, etc...

So after that headache, I just said "screw it" and ... re-installed the x32 versions on all the machines, client and server alike and poof! It works just fine! is it possible that the x64 version has some other problems that prevent it from working even on x64 machines??

Btw, i am runnning windows 7 professional x64, and my other machines all run windows server 2008 x64 enterprise... The "SERVER" is actually my windows 7 machine and the "CLIENTS" are my windows 2008 server machines.