Windows XP service fails to start

[koster]

In Windows XP, if a service (set to automatic) fails to start due to a timeout error, what are possible solutions?

Can the amount of time that the system allows before aborting be changed?

The service I'm interested in is Mcaffee Spamkiller. It can be started manually with no problem.

Laurence

[Gyja]

Usually security.

Have a look at the properties of the service in question. If the service has been set to log on as a specific user and that user has changed the password or the account is locked(disabled) the service will not be able to authenticate against the machine.

Check the event log - it should all be in there.
There is a searchable event ID from microsoft
Check here->http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/eventserrors.ms px

You should be able to see the event ID that the service fails on the event log.

Regards

Gyja