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Error - 1920 - Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services.

I have the dreaded Vista Home Premium, 32-bit OS, running on a Compaq SR5123WM.  This OS was already installed on machine.  After the "infamous" Windows updates, I am now getting a "Error 1920 - Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services" when I try to install my anti-virus program (not Norton).  Up until some updates were recently installed (not sure which ones), my AV (again, not Norton) work flawlessly.  This is a home PC and I am the administrator.  Any ideas?  Thanks!!
Answer
Answer

Do you know when this problem began?  Try a System Restore to a point in time BEFORE the problem began.  Here's the procedure: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/.  Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points.  If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two.  NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates.  Use the recovery disk if the system prompt doesn’t work. The recovery disk works a bit different from the above procedures but if you follow the prompts from the System Restore menu option with the above information you should be able to restore with no problems.

Did you EVER have Norton or McAfee installled on your system even if they were never used?

Enable the Hidden Administrator Account (HAA) using http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67567-administrator-account.html.  If you can't remember the password, try nothing as that's probably what you (or the vendor) did during installation.  Use this account to create another administrator account and to change the system services you couldn't change.  Once done, be sure to deactivate the HAA to save it in case it's needed again and for security purposes (since people often try to hack into systems using this account).  Do NOT use the HAA as your administrator account because if you lose the only administrator account on the system or it becomes corrupt again then you are hosed.  Now try using the new administrator account to change system services.  If it works, you may have a defective user profile.  To fix this use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-vista/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile. 

I hope this helps.  Keep me posted.

Good luck!
Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

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Last updated April 22, 2025 Views 20,305 Applies to: