Fixing Win32 Error 0x000006AB (RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR)

The error code 0x000006AB translates to RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR. This error message indicates an issue with the network address specified in the binding string used for a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) connection.

Understanding Invalid Network Addresses:

• The binding string for an RPC connection includes the network address of the remote computer where the service or program resides. This address can be an IP address or a hostname.
• The RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR error occurs when the binding string specifies an invalid network address that cannot be resolved or is unreachable.

Reasons Behind RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR:

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

• Typos or Errors in Network Address: Simple typos, incorrect formatting, or mistakes in specifying the IP address or hostname within the binding string can lead to this error.
• Unreachable Network Address: The specified network address might be incorrect, non-existent, or unreachable due to network connectivity issues.
• Hostname Resolution Issues: If a hostname is used, there might be problems with DNS resolution, preventing the conversion of the hostname to a valid IP address.

Resolving RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR:

1. Verify String Binding Network Address:

   • Double-check the network address specified in the binding string for typos or formatting errors. Ensure it’s a valid IP address or a resolvable hostname.

2. Ping the Remote Computer (if applicable):

   • If you have access to a command prompt or terminal, try pinging the network address specified in the binding string. This can help verify if the address is reachable on the network.

3. Check DNS Resolution (if using hostname):

   • If you’re using a hostname, ensure your computer’s DNS settings are configured correctly and can resolve the hostname to a valid IP address. You can try flushing the DNS cache or using alternative DNS servers if necessary.

4. Software Vendor Support:

   • If you’re unsure about the correct network address or encounter issues with the remote service configuration, consider contacting the software vendor’s support for the program or service you’re trying to access remotely. They can provide specific guidance on configuring the network address for the RPC connection.

5. Review Network Connectivity (if applicable):

   • In some cases, network firewalls, routing issues, or other network problems might prevent communication with the remote computer. Ensure the necessary network 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 network address within the binding string.
• If managing the remote service or program configuration, ensure the service is listening on the correct network interface and accessible for incoming RPC connections.

By understanding the role of network addresses in RPC and the reasons behind the RPC_S_INVALID_NET_ADDR error, you can identify the cause of the invalid network address issue. Carefully verifying the string binding network address, pinging the remote computer, checking DNS resolution (if using hostname), contacting software vendor support, reviewing network connectivity (if applicable), and ensuring proper service configuration (if applicable) are some recommended steps to address this error.