Failing Windows Services

[seanbrasher]

I have a Dell Latitude running XP SP2 that has been fine for several
months. Then starting a few weeks ago, the following services all
began to fail sporadically, usually at startup:

Windows Update
Windows Time
Windows Audio
HID Input
Workstation
Themes

I know that some of these are dependent on the others, but I usually
get exceptions popping up for the Time service and the Update service,
even if those are the only two.

Is this a Dell issue? Or maybe a service pack issue? I am almost ready
to re-install Windows to get rid of this problem.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

What do you mean by fail? Fail to start and send an error message to the
Event Viewer?

Automatic Updates, Windows Time, Themes and Workstation have no
dependencies.

Human Interface Device Access depends on Remote Procedure Call (RPC).

Windows Audio depends on Plug and Play & Remote Procedure Call (RPC).

UPDATE your antivirus software and run a full system scan.

UPDATE whatever anti-spyware applications that you have and run a full
system scan with each one.

You might want to start in Safe Mode to run your antivirus and anti-spyware
software.

Running a full system antivirus scan or anti-spyware scan in Safe Mode can
be a good idea. Some viruses and other malware like to conceal themselves
in areas Windows protects while using them. Safe mode can prevent those
applications access and therefore unprotect the viruses or other malware
allowing for easier removal.

''In safe mode, you have access to only basic files and drivers
(mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, base video, default system
services), just the minimum device drivers required to start Windows.''

Because of that some malware does not load in Safe Mode and is easier to get
rid of.

How to start Windows in Safe Mode Windows XP
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=61#winxo

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In