Windows 7: Security centre won't start

keep getting a warning that security centre will not start, when i try to start it in services i just get another warning that says " windows could not start the security centre on local computer. Error 5: Access is denied". It has not always been like this, it was fine from the begining until recently, it started sometime while i was flipping between AV software to determing which i would prefer, it was between Avast 5 free or Microsoft Sec Es. (i decided on MSE)
I would really like a fix for this as i've been in touch with MS via e-mail with no luck, they had several ideas but none were any use to me.
Thanks
LRM

Since it is a permission error, there are two things you can try.

1.
In the start menu search, type in 'UAC', and press enter.
Drag slider to the top.
Now try to start the service. If that fails, try my next method.

2.
In the start menu search, type in 'cmd', and press 'Ctrl' + 'Shift' + 'Enter'.
Click yes if prompted.
Type in the command prompt

net user administrator /active:yes

and press enter.
Close the cmd window.
Log off, and you should now have a new profile. Click on it to log in.
(This account gives you the highest privileges)

Now try to start the Security Center service again.

If LilDomii's advice does not work, but it should. Bite the bullet do a quick system restore and you will be back in business. I wish you luck with either suggestion

Nothing seems to be working, I'm now getting a different message.
What do you suggest now eh? Come on, somebody must know what to do.
Thank for trying, any more ideas? I'd love to hear 'em.

lrm537

There are several dozen fake anti-virus programs that will cause this. Have you seen any suspicious dialog boxes popping up? I'd suggest the latest Malwarebytes to try to fix it. Otherwise Start, type "ser", select "Services", open Security Center from the right pane, click Logon and make sure it's set to Local Service. If not report back please.

I was about to suggest running a malware scan as well, especially if you were running with an AV package for any period of time as you switched.

Take a look in the "Dependencies" tab for the Security Center service. Note that it is dependent upon the RPC service and a couple of others. These serivices will have to be running before Security Center will start, so check them as well. Also, don't set it to automatic... it needs to be on Automatic Delayed Start... again because these other services have to be running first.

Windows Services are highly interdependant. It is rare that you can simply shut down a Service without secondary consequences to your system. When adjusting services you should always check dependencies before you do anything.

Thanks for the replies, but still nothing seems to sort this out. I have run Malware Bytes, SuperAntiSpyware, and various full scans with MSE and Avast (I did not have MSE & Avast installed at the same time) and all came back clean.
I have changed it back to Automatic Delayed Start, as i had changed it to Automatic Start as per earlier advice on another forum.

Keep em coming folks, don't be shy, i want this annoyance sorted.

Try changing the logon to Local System. Click on Start button, then type Services.msc. Right click on the security center service, click on Properties, then in Log On tab, set to Local System.

I eventually just done a repair reinstall. Problem solved.

No repeats do far.

Thanks all.