Quick Summary
Error code 0x80010108, often described as "The object invoked has disconnected from its clients," typically arises when a local process attempts to interact with a component or object that resides on a remote machine, and that connection is unexpectedly severed or unavailable. This can indicate network issues, problems with Distributed COM (DCOM) configuration, or issues with the service or application hosting the remote object.
Common Causes
- Network Connectivity Issues: Communication between the local and remote machine is disrupted due to network problems such as temporary outages, firewall restrictions, or incorrect network settings.
- DCOM Configuration Problems: Distributed COM (DCOM) settings are not correctly configured, preventing the local machine from properly communicating with the remote object. Mismatched security settings or access permissions can cause this.
- Remote Service/Application Failure: The service or application hosting the remote object on the other machine has crashed, stopped responding, or is encountering its own errors. This renders the remote object inaccessible.
- Firewall Blocking Communication: The Windows Firewall, or a third-party firewall, is blocking the necessary ports or applications required for DCOM communication between the local and remote machines.
- Authentication Issues: The client machine is unable to authenticate with the remote server due to incorrect credentials, Kerberos issues, or other authentication failures.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify Network Connectivity
Step 1: Use the ping command in the Command Prompt to check basic network connectivity to the remote machine (e.g., ping remotemachine.example.com or ping 192.168.1.100).
Step 2: If pings are unsuccessful, troubleshoot network connectivity issues such as checking network cables, Wi-Fi connections, and router settings.
Step 3: Ensure both machines are on the same network and subnet, or that appropriate routing is configured.
Method 2: Check DCOM Configuration
Step 1: Open Component Services (dcomcnfg.exe) by typing 'Component Services' in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Navigate to Component Services -> Computers -> My Computer -> DCOM Config.
Step 3: Locate the application or service causing the error (if known). Right-click on it and select Properties.
Step 4: On the Security tab, ensure that the appropriate users or groups have Launch and Activation Permissions, and Access Permissions. Verify that these permissions include the user account under which the client is running.
Step 5: On the Identity tab, ensure the application is running under an account with appropriate permissions. Consider using 'The launching user' if appropriate.
Method 3: Restart the Remote Service/Application
Step 1: Connect to the remote machine.
Step 2: Open Services (services.msc) by typing 'Services' in the Windows search bar.
Step 3: Locate the service or application that is failing.
Step 4: Right-click on the service and select Restart. If restart is not available, stop then start the service.
Step 5: If the service fails to restart, examine the Event Viewer on the remote machine for errors related to the service.
Method 4: Configure Windows Firewall
Step 1: Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security by typing 'firewall' in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: In the left pane, click Inbound Rules.
Step 3: Check for any rules that might be blocking DCOM communication or the specific application or service causing the error. If necessary, create a new rule to allow communication.
Step 4: Ensure that the DCOM port range (typically TCP ports 1024-65535) is open for inbound connections, or that the specific ports used by the application are allowed.
Step 5: Repeat the process for Outbound Rules if restrictions are present there.
Method 5: Check Event Viewer Logs
Step 1: Open Event Viewer by typing 'Event Viewer' in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Navigate to Windows Logs -> Application and Windows Logs -> System.
Step 3: Look for any errors or warnings related to DCOM, the failing application, or network connectivity around the time the error 0x80010108 occurred.
Step 4: Analyze the event details for clues about the root cause of the problem. Pay attention to event IDs and source information.