System Cannot Log You On - c0000017 (199168)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

After a server has been running for a period of time, users who try to log on locally may receive the following error message:

System cannot log you on c0000017.

Users connecting to the server over the network may receive the following or other related RPC errors:

RPC Server Busy

CAUSE

This can be caused by a memory leak on the server in question. In most cases, the cause is a third-party application, such as a backup solution, or administrative package running as a service that drains the system memory resources over time.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Restarting the computer usually alleviate the error messages and allows access beyond the logon screen. It may be necessary to run a Performance Monitor log to determine the memory allocation.

In the event that restarting the server does not allow an interactive logon, you may find it necessary to connect remotely, if possible, and to change any third-party services Startup value to 0x3 (Manual Startup). You can find the keys in the following registry path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\third-party service

Select the Start value for the service name and change the value to: 0x3 Hex. On the next restart of the server, these services will now be set to manual rather than automatic.

Note: The above operation can be accomplished with Regedt32.exe by selecting Registry and then select Computer.