Article ID: 242079 - Last Review: November 1, 2006 - Revision: 1.1

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

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This article was previously published under Q242079
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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.
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CAUSE

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

To resolve this issue:

  1. 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.
  2. Apply or reapply the latest appropriate Windows NT service pack, and then restart the computer.
  3. 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.
  4. Restart your computer.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
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Keywords: 
kbprb KB242079
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