File System Dependency Minifilter (FsDepends) Service Defaults in Windows 7
This minifilter tracks the dependencies associated with the various nested volumes/filesystems.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | File System Dependency Minifilter |
| Service name: | FsDepends |
| Service type: | filesys |
| Error control: | critical |
| Group: | Filter |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\FsDepends.sys |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FsDepends |
Default Behavior
File System Dependency Minifilter is a file system driver. In Windows 7 it won't be started if the user doesn't start it. If File System Dependency Minifilter fails to load, Windows 7 attempts to write the error data into Event Log and restart the computer, using the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration is not valid, Windows 7 startup ends with a Stop error. If you remove or disable the FsDepends service, Windows 7 won't start.
Dependencies
File System Dependency Minifilter is unable to start, if the FltMgr service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of File System Dependency Minifilter
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which File System Dependency Minifilter depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config FsDepends start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The FsDepends service is using the FsDepends.sys file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 7 installation media.