DCOM Server Process Launcher (DcomLaunch) Service Defaults in Windows XP

Provides launch functionality for DCOM services.

The DCOM Server Process Launcher service does not exist in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:DCOM Server Process Launcher
Service name:DcomLaunch
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:Event Log
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost -k DcomLaunch
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\rpcss.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DcomLaunch

Default Behavior

DCOM Server Process Launcher is a Win32 service. In Windows XP it is starting automatically along with the operating system. Then the DCOM Server Process Launcher service is running as LocalSystem in a shared process. Other services and drivers are allowed to run in the same process. If the DCOM Server Process Launcher fails to start, the technical information about the error is added to the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, but a message box should be displayed informing the user that the DcomLaunch service has failed to start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of DCOM Server Process Launcher

1. Run the Command Prompt.

2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config DcomLaunch start= auto
sc start DcomLaunch

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The DcomLaunch service is using the rpcss.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows XP installation media.