Windows Firewall: Error 0x8007042c

I have had numerous feedback for concerns regarding this particular issue and error for Windows Firewall. I have thus decided to update this post. Let me also take time to inform you that this is applicable for Windows Vista/7/8 and not for Windows XP. If you are still on XP, it would be best to consider moving on to the latest Operating System that Microsoft has to offer. The logic and reason why move from XP is a different conversation altogether.

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• Understanding the Error

Error code 0x8007042c is an error for "The dependency service or group failed to start".
This will indicate that there may not be a problem with the Windows Firewall Service (MpsSvc) but instead with other Services that it needs so that it can start itself.

So here are the necessary Services that Windows Firewall needs on Windows Vista/7/8:
1. Base Filtering Engine (BFE)
2. Windows Firewall Authorization Driver (MPSDRV)

The two services/drivers should be started or running. BFE can be easily seen through the Services Console. But MPSDRV is not visually available in the same console window and instead available only by querying the service in a Command Prompt window.

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• Malware Infection

The first Factor to consider should be Malware infection. There’s a myriad of Malware strains that may stop or corrupt the entries and executable files of Windows Firewall along with other services and drivers it depends on.

If your system has a Malware infection, the state of your currently installed Anti-Malware program would have also been compromised. Thus, I suggest to first run an online scan through your browser.

Suggested online scanners:
Microsoft Online Safety Scanner
ESET Online Scan
Kaspersky Free Virus Scan

If your are unable to get your system or any browser on the internet, then you can download the on-demand scanners that may detect and remove any infection. Save the files in a USB drive then run the file on the infected system. Be careful not to use the USB drive in any other system until you are sure that there is no infection.

1. Microsoft Safety Scanner: 32-Bit and 64-Bit
2. Kaspersky Security Scan
3. ESET Stand-Alone Malware Removal Tool: 32-Bit and 64-Bit
4. Malwarebytes (Do not use the Paid version which may conflict with any existing Anti-Malware program)

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• System Repair and Driver Restart

Repairing services and drivers can be done via the command line of SFC /SCANNOW on an Elevated Command Prompt.

If the command did not fix the issue then reinstalling the drivers might be the best way to do it. Although, to accomplish this will not be an easy feat since both the Base Filtering Engine and Windows Firewall Authorization Driver could not be reinstalled on Windows 7 and 8 unless we repair install the Operating System.

Try running the following commands if SFC /SCANNOW did not resolve the issue with the Windows Firewall:

1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, type CMD in Start Search from the Start Menu. Right click on the result and choose "Run as Administrator".

2. Run now the following command lines:

netsh advfirewall reset
net start mpsdrv
net start bfe 
net start mpssvc 
regsvr32 firewallapi.dll

3. Confirm any boxes that comes up by clicking OK. The result on the last entry must say that it succeeded.

Note: If you receive any errors on any of the command lines, then there is definitely something wrong with any of the drivers and service. This may indicate a Registry error or a Corrupted file.

4. Reboot the system. Do not enable Windows Firewall without restarting first.

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• Windows Firewall Fix – Script File

As an alternative, I have created a batch file for a more robust and comprehensive repair. Extract the file from its zipped container. Once extracted, right-click on the file and choose to “Run as Administrator”.

Download the FWFix from here: FWFix v1.2

Take note that the script is to be used specifically for this error purpose only. I offer no other warranties implicit or explicit for any damages on your system for use or misuse of the script.