Fix: No More Endpoints Available - Windows 10 Error

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Encountering the frustrating error message, "There are no more endpoints available from the endpoint mapper" in Windows 10 can be a real headache. This cryptic message often pops up when you're trying to use network resources like printers, shared folders, or even certain applications. But don't worry, guys! This isn't some irreversible catastrophe. It's a common issue with several potential solutions. In this article, we'll walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to get your system back on track. We'll cover everything from basic service restarts to more advanced registry tweaks, ensuring there's a fix for every level of tech-savviness. So, let's dive in and banish this annoying error for good!

Understanding the Endpoint Mapper Error

Before we jump into the fixes, let's quickly understand what this error actually means. The Endpoint Mapper, or RPC Endpoint Mapper, is a service in Windows that helps applications locate and communicate with other services on the network. Think of it as a directory service for network communications. When an application tries to connect to a service, it first asks the Endpoint Mapper where to find it. If the Endpoint Mapper can't provide the information, or if it's not working correctly, you'll see the "No more endpoints available" error. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • The RPC Endpoint Mapper service isn't running.
  • Firewall issues are blocking communication.
  • Network connectivity problems.
  • Corrupted system files.
  • Conflicting software.

Knowing the potential causes helps us target our troubleshooting efforts more effectively. So, let's get started with the first and simplest solution.

Restarting Essential Services

The first thing we're going to try is restarting the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services. These services are crucial for network communication, and a simple restart can often resolve endpoint mapper errors. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and locate the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service. Right-click on it and select Restart.
  4. Next, find the RPC Endpoint Mapper service. Right-click on it and select Restart.
  5. Also, locate the DCOM Server Process Launcher service, right-click, and select Restart.

Restarting these services ensures they are running correctly and can properly manage network communication. After restarting these services, check if the error persists. If it does, move on to the next solution.

Checking Windows Firewall Settings

Sometimes, the Windows Firewall can be overprotective and block legitimate network traffic, leading to the endpoint mapper error. Let's make sure the necessary exceptions are in place:

  1. Open the Control Panel. You can search for it in the Start Menu.
  2. Go to System and Security, then click on Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  4. Click the Change settings button. You might need administrator privileges for this.
  5. Make sure the following are checked, both for Private and Public networks:
    • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
    • Remote Procedure Call Locator
  6. If you don't see these in the list, you can add them manually by clicking Allow another app... and browsing to the executable files for these services (usually located in C:\Windows\System32).

By ensuring these services are allowed through the firewall, you're removing a potential barrier to network communication. After checking the firewall settings, test if the error is resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

Verifying Network Connectivity

Network connectivity issues can also trigger the endpoint mapper error. A stable network connection is crucial for services to communicate properly. Here’s how to verify your network connectivity:

  1. Check your Ethernet cable: If you're using a wired connection, make sure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both your computer and the network device (router, switch, etc.).
  2. Restart your router/modem: This is a classic but often effective solution. Unplug your router and modem, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. Wait for them to fully power on and reconnect to the internet.
  3. Run the Network Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems. To run it, right-click on the network icon in your system tray and select Troubleshoot problems.
  4. Check your IP address: Open the Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start Menu and press Enter). Type ipconfig and press Enter. Make sure you have a valid IP address assigned to your computer. If you see something like 169.254.x.x, it indicates that your computer isn't getting a valid IP address from the router, and there might be an issue with DHCP.

Ensuring a stable and properly configured network connection is essential for resolving the endpoint mapper error. If your network seems fine, move on to the next potential solution.

Checking and Correcting the Registry

Important: Modifying the registry can be risky if not done correctly. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Sometimes, incorrect registry settings can cause the endpoint mapper error. We're going to check a specific registry key related to RPC:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Rpc
  4. In the right pane, look for a value named MinimumConnectionTimeout. If it doesn't exist, you'll need to create it.
  5. To create it, right-click in the right pane, select New, and then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it MinimumConnectionTimeout.
  6. Double-click on MinimumConnectionTimeout and set its value to 1 (decimal). This value is in milliseconds.
  7. Next, look for a value named MaximumConnectionTimeout. If it doesn't exist, create it as you did with MinimumConnectionTimeout.
  8. Double-click on MaximumConnectionTimeout and set its value to 300 (decimal). This value is also in milliseconds.
  9. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

These registry settings adjust the timeout values for RPC connections, which can sometimes resolve the endpoint mapper error. Remember to back up your registry before making these changes. After restarting your computer, check if the error is gone.

Running the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can lead to a variety of issues, including the endpoint mapper error. The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that can scan and repair corrupted system files:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cmd in the Start Menu, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. The SFC tool will scan your system files for any corruption and attempt to repair them. This process can take some time, so be patient.
  4. Once the scan is complete, you'll see a message indicating whether any corrupted files were found and repaired. If it found and repaired files, restart your computer.

The SFC scan can often resolve issues caused by corrupted system files, potentially fixing the endpoint mapper error. After the scan and restart, check if the error persists.

Checking for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, third-party software can interfere with the RPC services and cause the endpoint mapper error. This is especially true for security software, like firewalls and antivirus programs.

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software: Completely disable your antivirus software and see if the error goes away. If it does, then your antivirus software is likely the culprit. You might need to adjust its settings to allow RPC traffic.
  2. Perform a clean boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a background program is causing the issue. To perform a clean boot:
    • Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    • In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
    • Check the box that says Hide all Microsoft services. This is important to prevent disabling essential Windows services.
    • Click the Disable all button.
    • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    • In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
    • Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
    • Restart your computer.

If the error doesn't occur in a clean boot environment, you can then start re-enabling services and startup programs one by one to identify the conflicting software.

Conclusion

The "No more endpoints available from the endpoint mapper" error in Windows 10 can be a frustrating issue, but it's usually solvable with a bit of troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this article, from restarting essential services to checking registry settings and scanning for corrupted files, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying cause of the error. Remember to proceed cautiously when making changes to the registry and always back up your data before making significant system changes. Good luck, and happy computing!