Cannot start windows event log service on Windows 7. Error 4201.__

Anonymous
2009-11-15T05:12:47+00:00

Cannot start the Windows Event Log service on Local Computer.  Error 4201: The instance name passed was not recognized as valid by a WMI data provider.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2009-11-15T15:54:26+00:00

Hi Ramesh,

That did the trick.  For the record:

  1. Used msconfig to switch to safe mode boot
  2. Booted to safe mode
  3. ran cmd.exe as an administrator
  4. typed "cd C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI"
  5. typed "rename RtBackup RtBackup2"
  6. Used msconfig to switch to normal boot mode
  7. Reboot and found event viewer working

Thank you! 

Rung

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Ramesh 181.7K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2009-11-15T06:53:44+00:00

Hi rung_windows7,

Renaming or deleting the following folder seems to work for some users:

C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup

REF: Event log error 4201 - ERROR_WMI_INSTANCE_NOT_FOUND (a helluva great thread)

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-01-18T22:29:55+00:00

    Thanks a lot Ramesh.

    My VPN would not start overnight.

    It is correct the Event viewer would not start either.

    After renaming RtBackup all was solved.

    By the way had to take ownership of the File to change the attribute which would

    then allow me to rename RtBackup.

    Thanks again !

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-03-01T23:52:16+00:00

    In what galaxy does MS not have an automated Fixit tool for this problem?!

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-03-02T01:36:59+00:00

    The eventr viewer is solved my ffriend. :)

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