System Attribute Cache (discache) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Attribute Cache Indexer.

The System Attribute Cache service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: System
Display name:System Attribute Cache
Service name:discache
Service type:kernel
Error control:normal
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\discache.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\discache

Default Behavior

The System Attribute Cache service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it is being loaded and initialized at Kernel initialization. If System Attribute Cache fails to start, the error details are added to Windows 8 error log. When the operating system startup is complete, the user is being notified that the discache service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

All the services listed below will not start if System Attribute Cache is disabled:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of System Attribute Cache

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config discache start= system
sc start discache

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The discache service is using the discache.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 8 installation media.