Cannot stop messenger service: error 5 Access denied

>>>Could not stop the messenger service on local computer, Error 5 Access is denied.

From where are you trying to stop this service. You have logged on local computer and then stopping or you are using RunAs tool to stop it?

Also check Log On As tab of this service. It should set to use SYSTEM Account.

Let me know.

Thanks
SystmProg

on the server, logged on as local admin and also tried as domain admin. Have tried the command line and also services.mmc. All get the same response

(The log on as tab shows the system account)

Then there could be a probelm with System module. Check all the parameters defined in regisry for this service under

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Messenger
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Messenger\Parameters
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Messenger\Enum

Did you start all the dependent services?

When you disable it do you get the same message?

Not sure what to check in the registry - nothing seems out of place although the parameters key is not defined on this machine. The dependant services will start and stop normally but this doesn't seem to make much difference. The registry shows the executable for the service as systemroot\system32\Services.exe. I have checked the access rights to this file and admins and system both have full control.

Ok will check it later..first do one thing....goto Safe Mode and try to stop this service from there. Do you get the same error message in Safe Mode?

Let me know.

Same error in safe mode - Could it be something to do with the policies (we have policies in place in active directory but there is no mention of messenger in any of them)

This is now sorted. I am awarding the points anyway since I can't remember how we did it! - Sorry for the long delay!