How to Fix “The RPC Server is Unavailable” Error on Windows

RPC stands for the remote procedure call, and it helps to communicate a computer system to other ones. There are numerous computers, laptops, and other devices running in this world, and they need to communicate their particular programs to connect or link to each other. In this situation, the RPC server works very smoothly and comfortably. However, an error stating “RPC Server is Unavailable” can appear on your screen.

It’s an unexpected and commonly appearing error that usually displays on the system’s screen when the server is unable to connect with one or more applications on a single desktop. Here is how you can fix it:

RPC Server Unavailable Error

When a particular service initiates its process to communicate with the other service, then it sends a message to the RPC server located on your PC to connect with another related application or service. After that, the RPC takes the help of various server ports located on your system to command them in the form of “talk” and “listen” manner, and this works as a bridge between the two. 

In case the call doesn’t connect the RPC server as the server may not be available at that particular time, then your system flashes an error message “RPC server unavailable.”

Troubleshooting RPC Server Error

The reasons for this error are:

• Issues with the Computer Network.
• RPC service is not under operation.
• The particular registry entry which manages the RPC server becomes corrupted.

Among these, the most common reason found among the user’s reviews for the cause is that your system’s RPC service is not running properly.

The most common and effortless troubleshooting method is to perform the full reboot operation. In case you think it’s the temporary issue, then you can use the full reboot method.

Check your system that the particular error has gone. If not, then it is recommended to follow these steps:

Checking your System’s RPC Service

In case the reboot procedure didn’t solve the issue, then you have to crosscheck whether your RPC service is really running or not. To check the system’s RPC service, you have to follow these steps:

1. First of all, right-click on your Windows “Task Bar.”
2. After that, hit the “Task Manager” tab there.
3. Now, you have to choose the “Services” option and then tap on the “Open Services” link option.
4. Navigate to the “Remote Procedure Call” (RPC). Make sure it is currently in operation and under automatic mode.
5. Now, go to the particular “DCOM Server Process Launcher” option there. 
6. Check the DCOM launcher service is enabled and is already set to “Automatic.”
7. Now, follow the onscreen instructions to proceed.

Note: In case these two services above are set to a different option other than Automatic, then you have to modify them and set both the services to “Automatic.” If you have already rebooted your system, then you need not do anything because the service has already begun.

Fixing Issues by Checking TCP

In case, the RPC call is working, and you are still facing the issues, then you may check your TCP. To check it, follow these instructions so that you can fix the RPC server not available error:

1. First of all, you have to type “control” in the search bar.
2. After that, tap on the “Control Panel.”
3. Now, hit the option “Network and Internet.”
4. After that, tap on the “Network and Sharing Center” option there.
5. Choose the particular “Ethernet” link in the middle. 
6. After that, tap on the “Properties” option there available via the pop-out box.
7. Next, you have to make sure that the IPv6 and “File and Printer Sharing” option for Microsoft networks are both activated.

Checking Firewall

You have to check the Firewall in case the IPv6 and “File and Printer” sharing are already checked. Follow these steps to check it out:

1. First of all, navigate to the Control panel.
2. Then locate the Windows Firewall.
3. Search for the “remote Assistance” option and check that it is activated for “Private and Public Networks” and “Domain” options.
4. After that, save the changes if you have made any modifications to the Firewall settings.

Checking Registry Entries

In case the DCOM or RPC are working fine and you are still facing this RPC issue, then it is advised to check the registry entries and make appropriate modifications if needed.

To do this, follow the under-mentioned instructions:

1. Firstly, you have to enter “Regedit” in the search bar.
2. After that, choose the “Computer” option by navigating to the left-hand side.
3. Next, navigate to the “File” tab and hit it.
4. Then, you have to go to the option “Export.”
5. Go to the “Export Registry File” dialog box and then provide the particular name of your backup file.
6. Finally, tap on “Save.”
7. Once you have kept a copy of your registry, then navigate to the link below:
8. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\RpcEpt mapper.
9. Now, follow the onscreen instructions to fix this issue.

Billy Sparks  is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.

Source: https://nortonguide.com/how-to-fix-the-rpc-server-is-unavailable-error-on-windows/