CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)TroubleshootingMedium
A server administrator is investigating a critical application on a Windows Server that randomly crashes and restarts without generating any specific error logs or blue screen of death (BSOD). The server's event viewer shows repeated 'DistributedCOM (DCOM) error 10016' entries shortly before the application crashes, indicating permission issues for various COM components. What is the MOST appropriate initial step to troubleshoot this issue?
- ARun a memory diagnostic tool to check for RAM issues.
- BCheck and adjust DCOM permissions for the affected components using 'Component Services'.
- CUpdate the server's network adapter drivers.
- DReinstall the entire operating system to ensure a clean environment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Check and adjust DCOM permissions for the affected components using 'Component Services'.
DCOM error 10016 specifically points to permission issues with Distributed COM components. Addressing these permissions directly via 'Component Services' is the most targeted and appropriate first step described by the error message, rather than a broad reinstall or unrelated hardware checks.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While memory issues can cause crashes, the presence of a specific DCOM error points away from memory as the primary suspect in this initial stage.
- C. Network adapter drivers are unrelated to DCOM permission errors and application crashes without network-specific symptoms.
- D. Reinstalling the OS is a drastic last resort and doesn't directly address the DCOM permission error indicated.
DCOM Error 10016
DCOM error 10016 is a common Windows event log entry indicating that a specific COM component tried to launch or activate without the necessary permissions for a particular user or service.
- Often seen with application crashes or failures to start.
- Indicates a permission issue with Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) components.
- Resolved by modifying security permissions for the specific COM component in 'Component Services'.
- Usually involves granting Local Launch, Local Activation, Remote Launch, or Remote Activation permissions.
Memory trick: Windows applications are like tiny houses; DCOM is the lock on the door.