RPC Server Unavailable

Applies To

iAdviser, iBroker, iAgency

Operating Systems Affected

All

Symptoms

When attempting to drag items in from Outlook to Document Management, the error 'RPC Server Unavailable' appears.

Cause

We have found that all cases of reported RPC Errors have been due to configurations with Outlook Add Ins and various other software. While there is no clear software / combinations to watch for, confirming and troubleshooting is a straightforward but lengthy process.

It is important to note many users inform us that there are no Add Ins as they have not installed any. This is not correct - many Add Ins are installed with Outlook and other software adds them as a part of the installation process. Please ensure that you follow the below steps even if you have not specifically installed and Add Ins to Outlook.

Resolution

The fastest way to establish if this is an Add In issue is to run Outlook in safe mode for a few days (We suggest a week).

Outlook safe mode will run, but no Extensions or Add In's will run. So some things like the auto preview window are disabled, but so are all other extras. This is the 'purest' form of Outlook.

To open Outlook in safe mode, press the Windows Key and R to bring up the Run Dialogue, and type in 'outlook.exe /safe'. It should look like this:

If the RPC Error disappears, you can stop running in safe mode and disable all Outlook Add Ins. You may need an IT person to assist with this. Then over time slowly start adding each add in based on priority that you need it, until you find the one that 'breaks' the system. For this, we would recommned reactivating an add in every 2 working days to be sure.

Further Action

If the issue continues, please contact Help Desk.