Program File with Duplicate Name Prevents Service from Starting

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4
• Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4

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

Additional query words:

Keywords : ntstart ntsecurity
Version : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP1,4.0 SP2,4.0 SP3,4.0 SP4
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb