I get this error message on two computer when I do a systeminfo

[RC]

Loading Operating System Information ...
ERROR: The RPC server is unavailable.

I have 2 computers, networked. Both XP Pro SP3
1. - An ASUS, I bought the pieces off the Internet some 6 years ago.
2. - A HP 7600 from Cargo Largo on 9/11/07

Checking back the ASUS started refusing to install updates on Aug 11. COMODO Internet Security Premium.
The HP76oo the same thing on Aug 12. AVAST firewall

I Googled the error and tried various things and nothing has worked.
Disk Management does not work on either machine. RPC say it is running.
Removable Storage is x'ed out. USB's work fine, as do any flash drives.
Both machines connect to the network and each other fine.

Both machines go through the motions, then fail on the patch installs.
System restore fails on both.
Both machines are clean of any bad stuff. Being behind a Cisco router/firewall helps.
Both machines are setup with static IP's.

I'm down to tring a XP Repair, but am hesitant to try it because I put too much work in setting these machines up the way I want them. Saving the data is not a problem, it is all the tweaks and fixes afterwards to undo microsoft defaults.
It is very doubtful it is anything I did because it showed up on both machines at the same time, right after Patch Tuesday. I did not see anything about Microsoft admitting to bad patches this time around.

Any one have any reasonable ideas on a fix? Even the "Guaranteed" fixes haven't work so far.

(And for you shot-gun-it addicts who's answer to everything is to format and install, that is the very last resort. I have better things to do with my life if I can help it.)

[Earth Bound Misfit]

1. Have you tried this?

http://www.vyapin.com/support/faq/arkwe-faq.htm#Q20

[hobbit709]

2. Format and reinstall isn't that difficult.

I can do a complete format, install XP Pro, install the drivers, Service Pack 3 and then load basic protection and utilities like OpenOffice, Foxit Reader, antivirus and antimalware, Irfanview, Media player Classic, etc. and tweak the settings in under two hours.

[canetoad]

3. I take exception to 'shot-gun-it addicts'

When you need a reliable, working computer, sometimes a decision must be made as to the lesser of two evils. The amount of time spent in diagnosing and fixing must be weighed up against the inconvenience of reloading.

The main consideration is how quickly you can be up and running again.

[hobbit709]

4. My time limit is 3 hours.

If it is going to take longer than that to fix it, then I wipe and reinstall. I charge most people by the job so it isn't cost effective for me to spend so much time on it that I'm basically making $3/hr.

I've had some where it took 15 hours of time to figure out what all was screwed up.

[canetoad]

5. I hear ya hobbit

I'm not necessarily saying that RC should reload right now but it is often the most viable option.

...RC
Did you come across this link?
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Fix-RPC-Error-When-the-RPC-Server-is-Unavailable&id=3298701