Windows 7: Cannot start Windows Security Center Services. Error 5 access denied

mborner · 15 Sep 2012

I had trouble updating the MSE definitions a couple of days ago and I tried everything to get it to update, something about no connection. I gave up and uninstalled MSE completely using Revo. From Microsoft's web site, I downloaded and installed the newest version of MSE and the definitions updated just fine. Finally, the action center red flag is gone. However, a couple of days later, an alert comes back. This time, it's notifying me that Windows Security Center Service is turned off. With the Action Center open, I clicked "turn on now" but nothing happens, Security Center remains off.
I go to Run-services.msc and scroll down to Security Center and double click on it. Service status says "stopped". I click start and get the message, "Windows could not start the Security Center Service on local computer. Error 5: Access is denied.
This is all done from an administrator account.
Why wasn't I able to update MSE definitions and why, after a reinstall of a perfectly working MSE, am I now unable to turn on Security Center Services?

Britton30 · 15 Sep 2012

You may have an infection. Download and run this online scanner. ESET Online Virus Scanner | ESET

shawn77 · 15 Sep 2012

Along with ESET log

Download and run OTL

Download http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/OTL.exe by Old Timer and save it to your Desktop.

Double click on OTL.exe to run it.
Under Output, ensure that Minimal Output is selected.
Under Extra Registry section, select Use SafeList.
Click the Scan All Users checkbox.
Click on Run Scan at the top left hand corner.
When done, two Notepad files will open.
- OTL.txt <-- Will be opened and the that I need posted back here
- Extra.txt <-- Will be minimized - save this one on your desktop in case I ask for it later
Please post the contents of OTL.txt in your next reply.

mborner · 16 Sep 2012

Thanks Britton, so far it seems to have worked. I ran a full MSE scan and it found nothing. Also ran a full MBAM scan and found nothing. The ESET scan found one item, some kind of tool bar add on. After cleaning and rebooting, all seems well, for now. Thanks again.

Britton30 · 16 Sep 2012

Great news! Glad it helped you.

Windows 7: Cannot start Windows Security Center Services. Error 5 access denied

Cannot start Windows Security Center Services. Error 5 access denied problems?