Are you facing difficulty being able to start a DCOM Server on your Windows 10? If you are, you are not alone. This problem can happen as a result of various reasons and it can be quite a hassle to try to fix it. Fortunately, this guide will show you step-by-step how to troubleshoot and rectify the DCOM Server error on Windows 10.
What Is a DCOM Server Error?
DCOM stands for the Distributed Component Object Model. It is a Microsoft technology used to enable communication between programs running on separate computers in a network. The DCOM Server error occurs when a program is prevented from connecting to the DCOM Server by Windows Firewall, or when the program has lost its connection with the DCOM Server due to any other issues.
Check System Services
The first step is to make sure the correct system services have been enabled on Windows to enable DCOM server functioning. To do this, press the Windows key and type in services.msc.
Once the Services window is open, scroll through the window and make sure all the relevant services, such as DCOM Server, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), COM+ System Application, and Distributed Transaction Coordinator are running.
Tip: Make sure all the services are running by double-clicking each service and clicking Start, if it is not already running.
Verify Program Incompatibilities
Sometimes the DCOM server error can be caused by a program that is installed and it is not completely compatible with the Windows version you are using. In this case, you need to identify the incompatible program and uninstall it. A good tool to help you identify the incompatible program is Microsoft System Compatibility Scanner.
Once you have run the scanner, any incompatible programs will be listed, and you can then uninstall them to see if that corrects the DCOM server error you are facing.
Disable Third-Party Firewall
The next step would be to disable any third-party firewalls currently installed on your system. This is because third-party firewalls can interfere with the functioning of the DCOM Server. To do this, launch the third-party firewall's control panel, and then turn off or disable the firewall.
Note: Make sure to turn off Windows Firewall from Control Panel too.
Enable DCOM in Registry Editor
The next step is to enable DCOM in the Registry Editor. To do this, press the Windows key and type in regedit. Once the Registry Editor window is open, locate and make sure the following entries are running.
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OLE
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\RPC
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\COM3
Once these entries have been checked, open the DCOM Config folder in the same window and make sure that the entry listed as DCOM Server Process Launcher is running.
Reset Services
The last step is to reset the services on Windows. To do this, open the Services window again, and then right-click on each service mentioned above and select Restart from the list.
Once all the services have been reset, try launching the DCOM Server and see if the error is resolved.
FAQ
What Is DCOM?
DCOM stands for Distributed Component Object Model. It is a Microsoft technology used to enable communication between programs running on separate computers in a network.
Why Is DCOM Important?
DCOM is important because it enables various applications to communicate with each other and exchange data, via a secure channel. This secure channel ensures the security and integrity of the data being exchanged.
What Causes the DCOM Server Error?
The DCOM Server error can be caused by various reasons, such as incompatibility issues with a program installed, corrupted files, or if the relevant system service is not running.
How Do I Fix the DCOM Server Error?
To fix the DCOM Server error, you need to check the system services, identify any incompatible programs, disable third-party firewalls, enable DCOM in the Registry Editor, and reset the services.
What Is Microsoft System Compatibility Scanner?
Microsoft System Compatibility Scanner is a tool provided by Microsoft which helps identify any incompatible programs installed on your system that could be causing issues with the DCOM Server.