The RPC server is unavailable. (Exception from HRE

Question

Occasionally I get this error when working on remote computers. It's hit or miss on which computer I get it on. But I am able to ping the computer and test-connection pans out. For example, the computer I got this error on today I was able to get to yesterday. I know the computer is on because It's right next me.

Get-WmiObject : The RPC server is unavailable. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x800706BA)
At line:1 char:14
+ get-wmiObject <<<<  -Class win32_operatingsystem -ComputerName $current -Authentication 6 -credential $credential | Invoke-WMIMethod -name Win32Shutdown
    + CategoryInfo          : InvalidOperation: (:) [Get-WmiObject], COMException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : GetWMICOMException,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.GetWmiObjectCommand

Answer 1

I had the same problem when trying to run a PowerShell script that only looked at a remote server to read the size of a hard disk.

I turned off the Firewall (Domain networks, Private networks, and Guest or public network) on the remote server and the script worked.

I then turned the Firewall for Domain networks back on, and it worked.

I then turned the Firewall for Private network back on, and it also worked.

I then turned the Firewall for Guest or public networks, and it also worked.

Answer 2

You may get your answer here: Get-WmiObject : The RPC server is unavailable. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x800706BA)

UPDATE

It might be due to various issues.I cant say which one is there in your case. It may be because:

• DCOM is not enabled in host pc or target pc or on both
• your firewall or even your antivirus is preventing the access
• any WMI related service is disabled

Some WMI related services are:

• Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
• Remote Access Connection Manager
• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator
• Remote Registry

For DCOM settings refer to registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\OLE, value EnableDCOM. The value should be set to 'Y'.

Answer 3

My problem turned out to be blank spaces in the txt file that I was using to feed the WMI Powershell script.

Answer 4

Check to see if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is running. If it is, then it's a firewall issue between your workstation and the server. You can test it by temporary disabling the firewall and retrying the command.

Edit after comment:

Ok, it's a firewall issue. You'll have to either limit the ports WMI/RPC work on, or open a lot of ports in the McAfee firewall.

Here are a few sites that explain this:

1. Microsoft KB for limiting ports
2. McAfee site talking about the same thing