Table of Contents
- Why Does Windows Event Log Service Error 4201 Keep Crashing Your Computer?
- What Causes This Error
- 6 Proven Solutions That Work
- Method 1: Fix the RtBackup Folder
- Method 2: Change Folder Permissions
- Method 3: Restart the Event Log Service
- Method 4: Fix Corrupted System Files
- Method 5: Edit the Registry
- Method 6: Use System Restore
- Additional Tips That Help
- When to Get Professional Help
- Prevention Tips
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.
- Restart your computer
- Press F8 while starting up
- Choose Safe Mode
- Press Win + R keys
- Type "cmd"
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter together
- Click "Yes" when asked
- Run these commands
cd C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI rename RtBackup RtBackup2
- Exit Safe Mode
- Restart your computer
- 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.
- Open File Explorer
- Go to: C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\RtBackup
- Right-click the RtBackup folder
- Click "Properties"
- Go to "Security" tab
- Click "Advanced"
- Click "Change"
- Type your username
- Click "Check Name" then "OK"
- 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.
- Type "services" in the search box
- Click on "Services"
- Find "Windows Event Log" in the list
- Right-click it
- Choose "Restart"
- 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.
- Open Command Prompt as admin (see Method 1)
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait
- When done, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 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.
- Press Win + R
- Type "regedit"
- Press Enter
- Click "Yes"
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\WMI\Autologger
- Find "Start DWORD"
- Double-click it
- Change the value to "0"
- Click "OK"
- 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.
- Type "system restore" in search
- Click "Create a restore point"
- Click "System Restore"
- Choose a restore point from before the error started
- 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.