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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

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

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Ramesh 177.8K 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]

Was this answer helpful?

3 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

60 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-03-02T15:09:29+00:00

    I tried various fixes that just wouldn't work from various sources... creating .cmd files from .txt files, reboot in safe mode, ... for months. The whole issue starts when you try to beat the Microsoft UAC system. If you take control of your folders you loose control of this RtBackup folder and Windows may or may not let you make changes at that point. Just follow the directions below and it should fix it.

    Here's the simple answer that worked for me:

    1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup
    2. Right-click on RtBackup and select Properties > Security
    3. In the list of “Group or user names” is “SYSTEM” listed?
    4. If not, click Edit > Add . . . and type in “SYSTEM” in the dialog box and click OK.
    5. Restart your computer

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-09-15T06:08:38+00:00

    Perfect!!!!

    do not need to rename the folder, only need to change the folder permission for admin group to full control and windows event log will be started again.

    thank you HieuPham87

    and thank Ramesh

    Cheers

    Jace

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Ramesh 177.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2009-11-15T15:56:32+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

    Excellent! Thanks for the update, Rung :-)

    Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments