Unable to Change the Startup Parameter When a Service Hangs

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

A service stops responding during startup on a computer running Windows NT and you are unable to change the Startup parameter to manual, either locally or remotely, through the Server Manager Service.

For example, the Event Log Service locks the system locally after a pop-up message appears saying the Event Log is full.

CAUSE

This problem can happen because Overwrite Events Older than 7 days is the default setting for Event Viewer logging.

RESOLUTION

To change the startup parameter of a service in this condition, you can modify the registry by performing the following steps:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

2. From the Registry menu, click Select Computer. Type in the name of the computer that is not responding, and then click OK.

3. Locate the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services \EventLog

4. Edit the following entries:

   Value Name: Start Data Type: REG_DWORD

      Data:       3  (Default: 2)
   
      (Data values are 0 = Boot, 1 = System, 2 = Automatic, 3 = Manual, 4 =
       Disabled)
   
   

In the case of the event logs being full, after you restart, you can now rename or delete the event files located in the %SystemRoot%\System32\Config directory as needed.

MORE INFORMATION

This method of changing the Start parameter is useful in trouble-shooting other services also, such as Exchange and SQL services. After you have control of the computer, the service can be started manually from the DOS prompt by typing "net start <service name>". If an error occurs, you will get the error message in the DOS box or by Control Panel Services Start and you can check the event log to determine if an error occurs.