The RPC Server is not available - Windows XP

Help. For some inexplicable reason I am unable to print anything from my computer. It's not a new printer, it came with the computer 4 years ago and it's been fine until recently. The message I keep getting is "The RPC Server is not available ". I've been in the Microsoft help & support website and tried various things suggested there. I've tried reinstalling the printer from the disk - no joy. I spent 4 hours last night trying to get it sorted out but it's like the blind leading the blind - I've no idea what I am doing! The printer itself switches on etc but there seems to be some link missing between it and the computer if you know what I mean. The other message I've been getting is the print spooler (whatever that is) is not working/unavailable (can't remember the exact wording now I'm at work). I work on Windows XP Home Edition. When I look on "My Computer" and "Printers & Faxes" there are no machines showing at all. There obviously used to be but I don't know what's happened as I say. Most of the typing I need to do I do from work aside from the odd invoice or quote for my husband who is self-employed. It's the kids that use the computer at home and of course everyone's denying all knowledge of what's gone wrong!

Can anyone out there help me. Please!!! I am loathe to phone Microsoft and pay an extortionate phone assistance fee until I've explored the possibility that it's not just something very simple that I need to do.

 

Thanks Steve, I'll give it a go and let you know.

 

Sadly that didn't work. Any other ideas?

 

1. Confirm that when you did as Steve asked that the RPC Server is set to Automatic and in fact did start and is still running?

2. Set RPC Locator to Automatic and start.

3. Confirm WorkStation is started and Automatic. Needed by RPC Locator.

4. Confirm Print Spooler is Automatic and started.

Any of the above fails get back with info.

Mike