The RPC Server is Unavailable When You Attempt to Add a Printer

This article was previously published under Q242079

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to add a printer to your Microsoft Windows NT-based computer, you may receive the following error message:

Operation could not be completed. The RPC server is unavailable.

This issue can occur if the Spoolss.exe and Spoolss.dll files are missing from the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder, or are damaged.

To resolve this issue:

Copy the Spoolss.exe and Spoolss.dll files from another Windows NT 4.0-based server or workstation to the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder on the affected computer.
Apply or reapply the latest appropriate Windows NT service pack, and then restart the computer.
Set the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Service to start automatically:
1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Services.
2. On the Service list, click Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Service, and then click Startup.
3. Under Startup Type, click Automatic, and then click OK.
Restart your computer.