Troubleshooting: Error in DCOM instance in W2003 Server

Problem Description

     I'm using Windows Server 2003 system. When I try to create a linked server from SQL 2008 express, it fails, and from the SDK messages, I see the error as a remote client can't be found. I created my linked server on my local machine ok, but nothing comes up when I try to view the tables/catalog from a remote computer with a remote desktop. Not even the catalog name. Then when I try to recreate it, I get the odbc error "error in DCOM instance" and nothing in the odbc error log.

Solutions

     DCOM security is way complicated with W2003 SP2 and above. See the link below to help with what screens need to be set up. It is probably a security issue if it works from the local login but not a remote connection:

How to Setup QODBC in Window Server 2003 SP2 System

Also refer: DCom Option / Server Edition Tab missing in QODBC Setup Tab