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Service fails to start and you receive an error 1079 on a computer that's running Windows 7

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This article helps fix error 1079 that occurs when some services fail to start on a computer that's running Windows 7.

Applies to:   Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   2478117

Symptoms

One or more of the following services may fail to start on a computer that's running Windows 7:

  • Windows Time (W32Time)
  • Windows Event Log (eventlog)
  • Windows Firewall (MpsSvc)

Additionally, when trying to start the service manually, you may receive the following error message:

Error 1079: The account specified for this service is different from the account specified for other services running in the same process

Cause

The service is started by the Local System account instead of the Local Service account (NT AUTHORITY\LocalService). The Local System account may have insufficient permissions to start the service.

Resolution

Set the service and any dependent services to run under the NT AUTHORITY\LocalService account.

For example, for the Windows Firewall service, follow the steps:

  1. Select Start, type Services.msc in the Search programs and files box, and then press Enter.
  2. Locate and double-click the Windows Firewall service.
  3. Select the Log On tab.
  4. In This account text box, type NT AUTHORITY\LocalService.
  5. Set both Password fields blank.
  6. Select Apply, and then select OK.
  7. Repeat these steps for the Base Filtering Engine service.
  8. Restart both services.