Failed to Connect to a windows service... Group Policy Client

[Jaxel]

Okay, I know other people have posted this same error; but my case is slightly different. In my case, this is a brand new computer I just built, just installed Windows 7 Home Premium. Have not installed any programs except the basic stuff like Chrome, Security Essentials, Windows Updates, Drivers, etc...

I am what I would consider myself a power user and I've done a TON of editing to my services. I've disabled pretty much everything that is non-essential. I am the ONLY user account on my computer, with administrator access. I've attached screenshots of my service settings because I have a feeling its related to something to do with that.

In my event logs I have 2 errors:

• Error 7009, Service Control manager
  A timeout was reached (30000 milliseconds) while waiting for the Group Policy Client service to connect.
• Error 7000, Service Control manager
  The Group Policy Client service failed to start due to the following error:
  The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.

I have checked HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\GPExtensions for the corresponding GUID of "555908d1-a6d7-4695-8e1e-26931d2012f4", but I can not find any references or keys to it in that folder.

I built two computers, the other computer doesn't have this issue.

 

[Lavixgne]

let it go Man...
wait SevenGuru teach you....

 

[Jaxel]

Huh?

 

[Layback Bear]

My answer is simple. Do another clean install and then leave Windows Services alone. You will gain nothing mucking up Windows 7 Services.

 

[Jaxel]

My answer is simple. Do another clean install and then leave Windows Services alone. You will gain nothing mucking up Windows 7 Services.

Well I guess I can say thank you for the non-answer.

 

[Layback Bear]

I don't give non answers. My answer is and was very clear. Windows 7 is not like XP, you don't need to do all those tweaks and on top of that Windows 7 doesn't want all those tweaks done. You will spend more time trying to undo things you did than just starting over and leave such things alone. No tune up programs, registry fixers and their is absolutely no gain in speed by messing with Windows 7 Services.
I have no idea what a power user is.

 

[mharris672]

Agree with Jaxel

I agree with Jaxel. I'm suddenly having the same issue on initial boot-up, yet no other problems since I'm the only user account, and an administrator. One would think there's a quick-fix for this, though I'm currently baffled by it. I refuse to re-install Win7 or re-format, or delete my profile, etc. This should be a simple fix, but I've yet to figure it out. I've tried virtually all recommendations too... to no avail. An experienced user does not just "leave services alone." There is much to improve from a base/stock installation on a CPU/workstation. There are also various desires/requirements for each individual user. Modifying services and cleaning-up software, start-up programs, etc. is often essential.

 

[mharris672]

I think this started happening on my machine after I disabled all the HP startup programs within the System Configuration startup tab. Clicked the startup button, bottom left circle in Win7, then typed msconfig (as usual). I want minimum startup programs running (and don't want all that HP junk). A future issue to modify is all the junk within Task Manager (automated tasks, etc.)...these should be minimized too.

 

[Layback Bear]

Star Up Programs, HP Services or Start Up Programs from 3rd party programs and Services from 3rd parties is completely different from Windows 7 Services.

 

[mharris672]

Reply

Not true. Right click on 'My Computer' then click on 'Manage' -- then select 'Services' -- On HP machines there are at least 3 "HP..." services listed. There are also other third-party programs which add their own custom 'services' in order to run or automate their programs (for instance 'Comodo' system clean-up program adds a service). Of course the administrator should be able to go-into services and enable or disable any of them, etc. In this particular case, the Group Policy Client service is not allowing anyong (even administrators) to adjust it's settings within services. I can send a screen-capture/snapshot of my services window, if desired.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have never heard of a third party service that couldn't be turned on or off by a administrator. I have had some that I had to do from Safe Mode. My suggestion is concerning Windows 7 Services. I recommend leaving Windows 7 Services alone.
Have a nice day.

 

[Jaxel]

The only difference between my other computer and this computer is that my new computer has a Samsung 840 SSD... which starts up so fast that windows and all my startup programs are loaded before even my network controller has connected to the internet. It takes less than 12 seconds.

The interesting part is the error log says "A timeout was reached (30000 milliseconds) while waiting for the Group Policy Client service to connect"... but 30 seconds had not been reached. So I'm wondering if the issue is that my computer starts up TOO fast. And since users can not edit the state of GPC, maybe the computer starts up too fast and thus the state of GPC locks out before it can get up and running.

 

[Jaxel]

Bump. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[JFchrist]

Hi, I've had the same type of issue you do. Dont listen to all those wiseasses here - you dont have to do another system reinstall. I found the sollution which worked for me. Hope you didnt reinstall your system yet.
Well, even if you did, maybe this can help someone else.

- press win+r
- type regedit, hit enter
- go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\gpsvc
- delete whole gpsvc folder
- download, run and hit yes: gpsvc.reg
- reboot your system


All credits go to narenxp from bleepingcomputer.com
Thank you!

 

[turmoil]

Must apologize in advance as I have limited skills in this area.
I'm experiencing group policy client error as described in this thread. The error started after installing windows updates.
Tried to apply the solution proposed by JFChrist but the OS doesn't let me delete the gpsvc registry. Access is denied as some files are opened or being used. Tried in safe mode but to no avail as well. Even tried to execute the gpsvc.reg without previously deleting the registry entry but the OS doesn't allow any changes to the registry. Can anybody help me, please? What must I do to delete gpsvc from registry?
P.S. - Yes, I have run gpsvc.reg as administrator. I've also reinstalled the OS but eventually the error came back after windows updates.

 

[PLX]

this problem is solved. I posted it in this thread at microsoft answers. Why won't windows connect to the group policy client? - Microsoft Community

Also, I posted a video walkthrough here: "Windows cannot connect to Group Policy Client services" how to fix. - YouTube