ServersCheck is a great IT admin tool. It can monitor server connectivity, windows health, process and service status, and the list goes on. I’ve setup monitors for a number of Windows 2008 and 2008 R2 servers and each time I setup the first monitor I get the error “The RPC server is unavailable”. I’ve played around with the firewall settings on the server I intend to monitor enough times that it is time to post the exact rule you need to enable to allow ServersCheck to do its thing.
Problem: Monitoring a 2008 or 2008 R2 process or service: The RPC server is unavailable
Resolution: Windows 2008 or 2008 R2 firewall
1. On the 2008 or 2008 R2 server you intend to monitor open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
2. Select inbound rules on the left and scroll down to Remote Administration (RPC) on the right.
3. Double click the rule and check the box “Enable”. Apply and close.
4. Back to ServersCheck, test your monitor again.
