Did you encounter the “RPC server is unavailable” code 0x800706ba, when trying to connect to another computer, run certain applications, or access network resources? RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a protocol that allows different processes to communicate with each other over a network. If for some reason this service is disrupted or unavailable, it can prevent essential system operations, leading to this error “RPC server is unavailable”. Let’s find out what causes this error and solutions to fix the problem.
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What is RPC?
RPC stands for Remote Procedure Call, is a critical communication protocol in Windows operating systems that allows different processes to interact with each other across a network. This RPC works on the basis of a client-server communication model, wherein the client and server need not always be a different machine. RPC can also be used to set up communication between different processes on a single machine.
In RPC, a procedure call is initiated by a client system, which is encrypted and then sent to the server. The call is then decrypted by the server and a response is sent back to the client. RPC plays a vital role in managing devices remotely across a network and is used to share access to peripherals such as printers and scanners.
Reasons for RPC errors
There are various reasons behind this RPC error, such as Errors in resolving a DNS or NetBIOS name, Problems with network connectivity, the RPC service or related services may not be running, File and printer sharing is not enabled, etc.
- RPC Services Not Running: If the necessary RPC services are not running, the system will be unable to process remote procedure calls, leading to this error.
- Network Connectivity Issues: Poor or interrupted network connections can prevent communication between systems, triggering the error.
- Firewall Blocking RPC Traffic: Firewalls or security software may block the RPC communication, causing the server to appear unavailable.
- DNS Issues: Incorrect DNS settings or issues with the DNS server can prevent the system from locating the RPC server, resulting in this error.
- Corrupt System Files: Corrupted system files can interfere with the RPC services and lead to error.
Ensure RPC Services are Running
RPC services must be running for remote procedure calls to be processed correctly. Ensuring these services are active can resolve the error.
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services window.
- Locate the following services: Remote Procedure Call (RPC), RPC Endpoint Mapper, and DCOM Server Process Launcher.
- Ensure each of these services is running and set to Automatic. To do this, right-click on each service, select Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic. If the service is not running, click Start.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
This step ensures that the critical services needed for RPC communication are active and running correctly.
Monitor and Configure the Firewall on your computer
As discussed before, firewalls or any other security-related applications running on the system can block traffic from RPC requests. If you have a third-party firewall installed, try configuring it to allow incoming and outgoing connections for RPCs and other applications that you intend to use in RPCs.
If you are using Windows Firewall, configure it to allow incoming and outgoing connections for RPCs and other applications by following steps.
First, open the Control Panel, search Windows Firewall.
And then click Allow an app through Windows Firewall below Windows Firewall.
Then scroll down to find Remote Assistance. Ensure its communication is enabled (All the boxes of this item are ticked).
Configure firewall properly
If you are using a Windows firewall, open the Group Policy Object Editor snap-in (gpedit.msc) to edit the Group Policy object (GPO) that is used to manage Windows Firewall settings in your organization.
Navigate to Computer Configuration – Administrative Templates – Network – Network Connections – Windows Firewall, and then open either Domain Profile or Standard Profile, depending on which profile you are using. Enable the following exceptions: Allow Remote inbound Administration Exception and Allow inbound File and Printer Sharing Exception.
Check the network connection
The RPC server relies on network connections to communicate between systems. Ensuring stable network connectivity can help resolve issues caused by interrupted communication.
- To check the Internet connection, Press Win+R keys to open the Run dialog.
- Type “ncpa.cpl” and press the Enter key.
- The Network Connections window will appear.
- On the Network Connections window, right-click on the network connection you are using, and select Properties.
- Here make sure to enable the “Internet Protocols” and the “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.”
- If any of these items are missing from the local area connection’s properties, you’ll need to reinstall them.
Check Windows registry for RPC corruption
I perform all the above methods failed to fix the RPC server is the unavailable error? Don’t Worry Let’s Tweak the Windows registry to fix the RPC server is an unavailable error. Before modifying windows registry entries we strongly recommend backup the Registry database.
Now press Win + R, type regedit, and hit the enter key to open the Windows registry editor. Then navigate to the following key.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\RpcSs
Here on the middle pane, double click on start and change its value to 2.
Note: If there is any item that does not exist in the image below shows then we suggest to reinstall your Windows.
Again Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\DcomLaunch. See if there is any item missing. If you found DCOM Server Process Launcher was not correctly set, double click on the Start registry key to edit its value. Set its value data to 2.
Now Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\RpcEptMapper. See if there is any item missing. If you previously found the setting of RPC Endpoint Mapper was not correct, double click on Start registry key to edit its value. Again, set its value data to 2.
After that close the Registry editor and Restart Windows to take effect the changes. Now on next start check and try to connect the remote device, I hope there is no more RPC server error.
Perform a System Restore
Sometimes it is possible that you have tried all of the methods above, and you still get the “RPC server is unavailable” error. In this case, we suggest performing System Restore which reverts windows settings to the previous working state. Where system Works without any RPC error.
