Windows 7: Windows Firewall won't start automatically or manually, error code 5

Samsung PC Laptop, Windows 7 Home Premium x64, Microsoft Security Essentials

Windows Firewall will not start. Set to automatic, status "stopped". Click "start", get error code 5.



All Dependency Components are starting automatically at start-up except possibly Windows Firewall Authorization Driver. Unable to locate that driver.

Malware scanned and removed by Malwarebytes, SpeedMaxPc, Reimage, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

Norton Antivirus 2012 uninstalled; intalled Microsoft Security Essentials with option to start Windows Firewall on intallation; Windows Firewall start-up failed.

Used Microsoft "Fix-it", sfc /scannow, SpeedMaxPc, Reimage, and MSE to fix code 5; all failed. sfc /scannow says some corrupt files cannot be replaced, for more info see C:/windows/log/cbs/cbs.log
The other services say my system is safe in excellent operating condition.

Used Reimage to restore computer to an earlier state prior to problem; failed.

I am fairly certain the Windows Firewall Authorization Driver is either corrupt or missing. How do I nail this down? Or what exactly is the problem?

Try this

Windows Firewall damaged by 'Windows 7 antivirus 2012'

Thanks shawn77,

I had done most of those steps two days ago and was able to restart BFE and other Dependency components. I tried the same thing directly to the Windows Firewall in Services, but just couldn't get it to work. Doing the same steps to Shared Access never came to me. Adding "Everyone" to "Users", Allowing Full Control and Read to Shared Access enabled me to turn on the Windows Firewall in the Services list. Good job, thanks again.