Wired AutoConfig (Dot3svc) Service Defaults in Windows XP

This service performs IEEE 802.1X authentication on Ethernet interfaces.

The Wired AutoConfig service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Wired AutoConfig
Service name:Dot3svc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:TDI
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k dot3svc
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\dot3svc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dot3svc

Default Behavior

Wired AutoConfig is a Win32 service. In Windows XP it won't start until the current user starts it. When the Wired AutoConfig service is started, it is running as localSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services and drivers are allowed to run in the same process. If the Wired AutoConfig fails to start, the technical information about the error is added to the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, but a message box should be displayed informing the user that the Dot3svc service has failed to start.

Dependencies

Wired AutoConfig depends on the following system components:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Wired AutoConfig

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Wired AutoConfig depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.

1. Run the Command Prompt.

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

sc config Dot3svc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The Dot3svc service is using the dot3svc.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows XP installation media.