How to Troubleshoot DCOM Error 10016 in Windows PC

DCOM stands for “Distributed Component Object Model” and it is an essential part of the client-server communications in the Windows Operating system. DCOM paradigm facilitates the course of connecting Windows application to the internet. Whenever a program uses the DCOM infrastructure and tries to start the DCOM server without the user’s permission, DCOM error 10016 arises. It is one of the old errors in the Windows operating system, which is continued from the older Windows version, and still appears in newer Windows version. Many Windows users have also seen it in their Windows 8 and Windows 10 PC.

The error comes up as a system error message describing the error with code “Event ID 10016” and contains an APPID and CLSID. However, the error occurs with DCOM does not impact much on the operation and functionality of your operating system. But seeing any error message isn’t good and annoying, you may want to get rid of this error. Here is how to troubleshoot DCOM error 10016 in Windows PC.

Instruction to troubleshoot DCOM Error 10016 in Window 10, 8 and 7

While the error isn’t harmful, but troubleshooting it is a bit long process. Firstly, you need to identify the origin of the trouble by reading the error message and looking for the word APPID and CLSID within it. These codes are unique with the application and help to recognize the program causing the problem. You may not want to permit some app or the app displaying the error message, but if you don’t want to meet the error again, allow the sufficient permissions. The procedure for troubleshooting DCOM error 10016 in Window PC is simple. Here are those simple steps.

1.   Close the error message or other running programs on your PC.

2.   Then, open the Windows Run box by pressing Windows + R button simultaneously.

3.   Key in ‘regedit’ into the field of the Run dialog.

4.   And, click the ‘OK’ button or hit ‘Enter.’ This will open the Registry Editor windows on your screen.

5.   Inside the Registry window open the ‘HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT’ folder and select ‘CLSID.’

6.   Now, look for the CLSID folder that the error message is displaying to you.

7.   Right-click on the CLSID folder appearing in the DCOM error message.

·      After that, click on the top to see the owner.

·      Make sure ‘Administrators’ is selected there. If it isn’t, then select manually.

·      Then choose ‘Replace all child object permission entries’ from the bottom of the window.

· Click’ OK’ and then click ‘Yes’ on the warning message of Windows Security.

·      Now, click ‘Add’ inside the main permissions window and select Everyone.

·      Then click on ‘OK.’

·      Again, select Everyone from the top user’s list in the permissions window.

·      Look under the Allow column and select ‘Full Control.’

· Click’ OK.’

8.   After doing this, open the ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE’ folder and go to ‘Software’> ‘Classes’> ‘AppID.’

9.   Now, look for the APPID folder that the error message is displaying to you and right-click on it.

10.  Follow the above-bulleted steps of Step 7 to allow the necessary permissions.

11.  Whenever you access the CLSID and APPID folder, a registry key will appear with the program or service name causing the DCOM error.

After completing these steps in your Windows PC, continue the process for troubleshooting DCOM error 10016 with below steps. Do not close the Registry now.

1.   Now, go to ‘Start’ and open the ‘Control Panel.’

2.   Change the view to ‘Icons’ (optional).

3.   And go to the ‘Administrative Tools.’

4.   Select ‘Component Services.’

5.   Go to My Computer and select ‘Computer.’

6.   Now, look for the program or service, causing the DCOM error and right-click on it.

7.   Then select ‘Properties’ and open ‘Security’ tab in the property window.

8.   Check if you see Customize option on all the three options, Launch, Access Permissions, Configuration Permissions, and Activation Permissions.

Note: If any one of these options is disabled, that means the permission in Registry is not done correctly. Repeat the above 11 steps to set the permissions correctly in the Registry.

9.   Now, click ‘Edit’ for Launch and Activation Permissions.

10.  If a warning message pops up saying that the attached permission entries are of unrecognized type, select ‘Remove.’

11.  Look for the ‘System’ option under the user’s list at the top. If it isn’t there, select ‘Add’ and create one with the name ‘System.’

12.  Now, select ‘System.’

13.  Check the box of ‘Local Launch’ and ‘Local Activation’ or ‘Local Access’ under the Allow column.

14.  Click ‘OK.’

15.  Repeat the same for Configuration Permissions and Access Permissions.

16.  Repeat the process with other APPID and CISID values.

Now, restart your system.

Gerry Martin is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. She writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. Her articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.