JSI Tip 1081. "The services database is locked".

If you receive the subject message when using a Control Panel tool, you probably have a service that it is configured for Automatic startup, that can't initialize.

If there is no indication in the System Event log, you will have to use a trial and error process to identify the service.

Use Regedt32 to navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices

Change the Start value on all non-essential services from 2 (Automatic) to 3 (Manual).

Restart your computer.

If the problem disappears, adjust the Start value to 2, one service at a time, until you identify the problem service.

If the problem continues, try the following essential services, one at a time: (see tip 069)

     - Alerter     - Computer Browser     - EventLog     - License Logging     - Messenger     - Net Logon     - NT LM Security Support Provider     - Plug and Play     - Protected Storage     - Remote Procedure Call (RPC)     - Server     - Spooler     - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper     - Workstation

See tip 1261.