Windows background Services enable Windows features to function properly. One of the errors occurring for Windows Services is Error 1067, The process terminated unexpectedly. This is an error that you might encounter when you are trying to start a service-based operation on your Windows 11/10. This error occurs mainly due to faulty services, or corrupted settings of that particular service. The fix for this issue is outlined in this post.
Error 1067 can occur with any of the background services in Windows 10 PC. Whichever is the service affected, the fix described here is applicable. In this post, we will choose the Fax service as our case in point.
Error 1067, The process terminated unexpectedly
Before you proceed with the fix, try to restart your computer and check if the error persists. If it persists, then follow the steps below.
- Refresh the potentially corrupted Service settings in the Registry
- Run System File Checker or DISM
- Manually start the Service
- Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
- Use Refresh Windows Tool or reinstall the program.
Before you begin, remember to create a system restore point first.
1] Refresh the potentially corrupted Service settings in Registry
Press Windows key + R key to launch the Run dialog box. Type regedit in the box and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor window.
On Registry Editor window, navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Locate and right-click on your service with error 1067 [in this case, Fax service] under Services branch. Then choose Export. Choose a place to save it on the pop-up window. This is for safety reasons.
Back on Registry Editor window, right-click on the Fax service, but this time choose Delete. Exit the window.
Restart your computer.
This will refresh or reinstall the Windows Service.
If this does not help, you may Merge back the saved Registry file. Go to the Fax service file; you saved to the desktop when you performed the export action above in Step 1. Right-click on the file and select Merge [see screenshot below].
Click Yes on the confirmation prompt. This will install the Fax service back.
2] Run System File Checker or DISM
Run the System File Checker, ie. Run sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt. Reboot on completion and check. Windows 10 users may repair their Windows System Image and see if it helps.
3] Manually start the Service
Press Windows logo key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and hit Enter to open the Windows Services window.
In the Services window, locate and right-click on Fax service.
Ensure that its Startup type is not set to Disabled. Click Start and close the window.
The Windows Service this time should start without the error 1067.
4] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
Boot in Safe Mode and see if the Service is starting. Many times, non-Microsoft services or Drivers can interfere with the proper functioning of System Services. Alternatively, you could also execute a Clean Boot and troubleshoot manually to find the offending process that may be interfering.
5] Use Refresh Windows Tool or reinstall the program
If your Windows 10 computer is facing a lot of issues, including corrupt files, then its best to use Windows 10 Refresh Tool. The process does the following:
- Keeps your personal files and settings
- Replaces all Windows 10 system files with a new copy.
- Keeps the apps that came with your PC
- Keep the apps you installed from the Microsoft Store.
It ultimately fixes your computer without you worrying about any data loss. To use it, you need to download the Refresh Windows Tool from Microsoft.
Windows 11 or Windows 10 users may also use the Reset This PC option.
If the Service giving errors are related to any software, reinstalling the software would be the best option.
PS: If you need more suggestions, then please see this post Windows Services will not start.