Fixing Win32 Error 0x000006AA (RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT)

The error code 0x000006AA translates to RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT. This error message indicates an issue with the format of the endpoint specification within the binding string used for a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) connection.

Understanding Invalid RPC Endpoints:

• An RPC endpoint defines the location and details of the remote service or program you want to connect to. The endpoint information is included in the binding string.
• The RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT error occurs when the binding string specifies the endpoint in an incorrect format or with missing or invalid data.

Reasons Behind RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT:

There are a couple of reasons why you might encounter this error:

• Typos or Errors in Endpoint: Simple typos, incorrect formatting, or mistakes in specifying the computer name, port number, or other endpoint details within the binding string can lead to this error.
• Incomplete Endpoint Information: The binding string might be missing essential information required for the endpoint, such as the port number or program identifier.
• Outdated or Incorrect Configuration: In rare cases, outdated program or service information or corrupted data might lead to an invalid endpoint being specified.

Resolving RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT:

1. Verify String Binding Endpoint:

   • Carefully examine the endpoint information specified in the binding string for any typos, formatting errors, or inconsistencies. Ensure it includes all necessary details like computer name, port number, and program identifier (if applicable).

2. Consult Program Documentation:

   • Refer to the documentation for the program or service you’re trying to access remotely. It should provide the correct endpoint format and the specific information required for the binding string.

3. Software Vendor Support:

   • If you’re unsure about the correct endpoint format or encounter issues obtaining the necessary details, consider reaching out to the software vendor’s support for the program or service you’re trying to access remotely. They can provide specific guidance on configuring the endpoint for the RPC connection.

4. Review Network Configuration (if applicable):

   • In some cases, network configurations like firewalls or network segmentation might restrict access to the endpoint specified in the binding string. Ensure the necessary communication paths are open for the RPC connection.

Additional Tips:

• Some applications might offer UI options to configure RPC connections. Explore the program’s settings to see if there are built-in options for selecting the remote service or program, which can help avoid manual configuration of the endpoint within the binding string.
• If you manage the remote service or program configuration, ensure the endpoint details are correctly advertised and accessible for RPC connections.

By understanding the role of endpoints in RPC and the reasons behind the RPC_S_INVALID_ENDPOINT_FORMAT error, you can identify the cause of the invalid endpoint format. Carefully verifying the string binding endpoint, consulting program documentation, contacting software vendor support, reviewing network configuration (if applicable), and ensuring proper service configuration (if applicable) are some recommended steps to address this error.