Program File with Duplicate Name Prevents Service from Starting (222161)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP4
This article was previously published under Q222161

SYMPTOMS

When you start your Windows NT-based computer, a service may not start.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a program file in the %SystemRoot% folder has the same name as a Windows NT service that is located in the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder. When this occurs, the program in the %SystemRoot% folder is started instead of the service with the same name.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, move the file whose name is the same as the service that should start to another folder.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

All users who are authorized to log on locally to a Windows NT-based computer have write access to the %SystemRoot% folder and can cause this issue to occur by placing a file in the %SystemRoot folder. To minimize the risk of this issue, you may want to implement stringent security guidelines on your computers running Windows NT. For additional information about Windows NT security, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.asp

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/13/2003
Keywords:kbnofix kbprb KB222161
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.