Error193:0xc1 automatic services will not start

[Tinwolf]

Hi all, new boy here.

As of today we have 2 XP pro machines that are behaving very strangely. The first thing reported was the network not working on one of them but on closer investigation the majority of automatic services are not started on these machines and when you try to start them you get the "error193:0xc1" notice.

The situation is the same in safe mode regardless of logon used.

Both PCs are protected with McAfee viruscan and running a check in safe mode finds nothing amiss.

I did find a comment on the internet that it`s caused by a folder called "program" on the root of the D drive and on one PC sure enuff the folder was there on the CD drive (no CD in the PC how weird is that?) I renamed the folder and it`s now vanished but the problem remains . I`ve searched (manually because search isn`t working) for any other folders called program or common (that from a microsoft site) but found nothing.

Any ideas?

[Devasis]

As per your issue there are several discussion is already made on this forum which you can check and find out the solution from there. So here i am giving you the link which will guide you regarding your issue and resolve the same. Just go through the same.
Windows installer service Error 193:0xc1
Windows installer service cant start Error 193:0xc1 ???
Error 193: 0xc1 when trying to start BITS - PLEASE HELP!!
Start service error 193 0xc1

[Tinwolf]

I`ve read these and although the error message is the same they refer to specific programs, installer etc.

I get the error with many of the services that should be automatic including DHCP and RPC. Even when I look in services the extended tab is blank.

[Tinwolf]

I managed to get hijackthis running.
The strange thing it`s showing is that each of the unstarted automatic services are displaying "unknown owner" e.g. DHCP client.

[Kevvo]

We have 3 xp machines doing this too... it is as though windows is a shell of what it should be, no programs show in the task bar, only 5 services are running, can't open properties of events in the event viewer...

I've run sfc /scannow and this did nothing, I've tried to install superanispyware and can not because the installer service can't run...

I also can not get into safe mode via F8 on boot.

starting to think a rebuild is the only way forward.

ANY IDEAS - ANYONE?

All machines are Dell BTW!

[Kevvo]

Bad update from McAfee...

goto the website and follow the instructions... Grrrrr

[Tinwolf]

I`ve managed to fix this.

I copied the svchost.exe file from a healthy XP machine.
Booted the effected PC into safe mode (I don`t know what kevvo can do about his inability to get into safe mode tho).
I replaced the svchost file on the effected PC with the OK one, I had to do this in DOS as the copy/paste functionality wouldn`t work.
Also I updated the virus checker with the latest update otherwise the PC just f*cks up again.
Reboot and it`s OK.

If anyone needs help with any of this please PM me as this thing had me bagging my head against the wall `cos no-one else seemed to have the same problem or a solution so I`d love to help someone who is as frustrated as I was.