networking - The RPC server is unavailable. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x800706BA)

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

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