How Can You Stop the Annoying Event Log Service Error 4201 Forever?

Why Does Windows Event Log Service Error 4201 Keep Crashing Your Computer?

I see this error all the time. Your computer won’t start the Event Log service. Error 4201 pops up. Nothing works right.

Let me help you fix this problem. I’ve helped hundreds of people solve this exact issue. The good news? It’s fixable.

What Causes This Error

The Event Log service error 4201 happens for three main reasons:

• Broken WMI provider – This is the most common cause
• Damaged RtBackup folder – Files get corrupted over time
• Software conflicts – Programs fighting with each other

Most people think their computer is broken. It’s not. These are simple fixes.

6 Proven Solutions That Work

Try these methods in order. Stop when one works for you.

Method 1: Fix the RtBackup Folder

This works for most people. The RtBackup folder gets corrupted. We need to rename it or delete it.

1. Restart your computer
2. Press F8 while starting up
3. Choose Safe Mode
4. Press Win + R keys
5. Type “cmd“
6. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter together
7. Click “Yes” when asked
8. Run these commands

   cd C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI
   rename RtBackup RtBackup2

9. Exit Safe Mode
10. Restart your computer
11. Check if the error is gone

If renaming doesn’t work, try deleting the folder instead. Use this command: del RtBackup

Method 2: Change Folder Permissions

Sometimes Windows blocks you from changing the RtBackup folder. We need to take control of it first.

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to: C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup
3. Right-click the RtBackup folder
4. Click “Properties“
5. Go to “Security” tab
6. Click “Advanced“
7. Click “Change“
8. Type your username
9. Click “Check Name” then “OK“
10. Click “Apply” then “OK“

Now try Method 1 again. It should work this time.

Method 3: Restart the Event Log Service

The service might just be stuck. A simple restart often fixes it.

1. Type “services” in the search box
2. Click on “Services“
3. Find “Windows Event Log” in the list
4. Right-click it
5. Choose “Restart“
6. Wait a few seconds. The service should start working again.

Method 4: Fix Corrupted System Files

Broken system files cause many problems. Windows has built-in tools to fix them.

1. Open Command Prompt as admin (see Method 1)
2. Type: sfc /scannow
3. Press Enter and wait
4. When done, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. Press Enter and wait again

This scans and fixes damaged files automatically.

Method 5: Edit the Registry

Some users need to change a registry setting. This tells Windows to handle the WMI provider differently.

Warning: Be careful with the registry. Follow these steps exactly.

1. Press Win + R
2. Type “regedit“
3. Press Enter
4. Click “Yes“
5. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger
6. Find “Start DWORD“
7. Double-click it
8. Change the value to “0“
9. Click “OK“
10. Restart your computer

Try Method 1 again. If it works, you can change the registry value back to its original setting.

Method 6: Use System Restore

Did this error start recently? System Restore can take your computer back to when it worked fine.

1. Type “system restore” in search
2. Click “Create a restore point“
3. Click “System Restore“
4. Choose a restore point from before the error started
5. Follow the prompts to restore

This undoes recent changes that might have caused the problem.

Additional Tips That Help

• Run Windows Update – Microsoft often fixes these errors in updates
• Check for malware – Viruses can damage system files
• Disable startup programs – Too many programs can cause conflicts
• Clean temporary files – Use Disk Cleanup to free up space

When to Get Professional Help

Most people can fix this error using these methods. But sometimes you need expert help.

Call a technician if:

• None of these solutions work
• You’re not comfortable with registry editing
• The error keeps coming back
• Other services are also failing

Prevention Tips

Stop this error from happening again:

• Keep Windows updated
• Run regular virus scans
• Don’t install suspicious software
• Create system restore points monthly
• Clean your computer’s temporary files weekly

The Event Log service error 4201 looks scary. But it’s usually an easy fix. Start with Method 1. Most people solve it right away.

Remember: take your time with each step. Rushing leads to mistakes. If one method doesn’t work, try the next one. You’ll get your computer working again.