You're denying everyone and allowing no one. There's a good reason you can't connect ;). In /etc/hosts.allow, you could put: ALL: LOCAL However, you shouldn't be running sshd from inetd -- it's too slow. If you aren't running ssh from inetd, then you're problem is elsewhere. Maybe check /etc/ssh/*_config ? -- MegaHAL quote: I think a blowpipe is a marijuana cigarrette. It'll get you deleted!