Windows XP Security Center can't be started

Try the following solution for XP/SP2 ... (see Download Wscfix.zip)

When you attempt to start the Security Center Service using the Services.msc applet, one the following errors may occur...
Error 1083:
Error 123: (your stated error)
Error 2:
Error 3:

Thanks for this suggestion, Dennis,. Have you any experience of this site/program? There are so many out there that I always feel cautious about running them. I know I can set a restore point before I do.

Another point: someone mentioned that Spybot Search and Destroy can interfere with the Security Centre. I do remember seeing it in the list for a scan and I didn't know what to do with it. Could I have caused this by taking the wrong action?

This an entry from Spybot's log:

--- Report generated: 2007-11-07 ---

Microsoft.WindowsSecurityCenter_disabled: Settings (Registry change, fixed)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc\Start!=W=2

You are right to be cautious, but that site is on mvps.org - MVP - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional.

You can trust Ramesh 100%

Originally Posted by PeteC

You are right to be cautious, but that site is on mvps.org - MVP - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional. You can trust Ramesh 100%

Thank you Pete. Agree with BOTH statements. My preferred suggestions come from Windows BBS or MVP member sites ... always good stuff.

Quote:

TeenieB This an entry from Spybot's log: --- Report generated: 2007-11-07 --- Microsoft.WindowsSecurityCenter_disabled: Settings (Registry change, fixed) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc\Start!=W=2

Some A/V's will do this. Norton AntiVirus (it's off because it was replaced by functionality in Norton AntiVirus.) has done this in the past. Do not know if it currently does.
Also infections may be involved. You may want to post here ... Removing Spyware & Viruses Windows BBS. Read the guidelines and provide required information.

Originally Posted by Dennis L

Thank you Pete. Agree with BOTH statements. My preferred suggestions come from Windows BBS or MVP member sites ... always good stuff. Some A/V's will do this. Norton AntiVirus (it's off because it was replaced by functionality in Norton AntiVirus.) has done this in the past. Do not know if it currently does. Thanks for this, Dennis and Pete. I'll give the program a go. I knew it was Norton which was disabling the Security Center. It was because I've just got rid of Norton that I thought it was a good idea to try to restart it, though I guess I can just monitor AVG and ZoneAlarms myself, as I usually do. My PC has been thoroughly scanned by both of these and Spybot and no infection was found, so I hope it's not that. Also infections may be involved. You may want to post here ... Removing Spyware & Viruses Windows BBS. Read the guidelines and provide required information.

Yes, I may try this alternative Forum

Hi TeenieB

Your POST #6 ...

Quote:

TeenieB's response ... Thanks for this, Dennis and Pete. I'll give the program a go. I knew it was Norton which was disabling the Security Center. It was because I've just got rid of Norton that I thought it was a good idea to try to restart it, though I guess I can just monitor AVG and ZoneAlarms myself, as I usually do. My PC has been thoroughly scanned by both of these and Spybot and no infection was found, so I hope it's not that.

I almost missed your response in post #6. You state you will try the solution provided in post #2 ... Did this fix the problem??

Originally Posted by Dennis L

Hi TeenieB Your POST #6 ... I almost missed your response in post #6. You state you will try the solution provided in post #2 ... Did this fix the problem??

Yes, I've just run it and it worked! Let's hope it lasts; I've had it revert to "not available" on next startup in the past. Thanks for all help.

Teenie

Glad the fixed worked. Norton can be challenging when users prefer to remove from system.
Thank you for posting back.