HTTP Service Defaults in Windows XP

This service implements the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

The HTTP service does not exist in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:HTTP
Service name:HTTP
Service type:kernel
Error control:normal
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers\HTTP.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HTTP

Default Behavior

HTTP is a kernel device driver. In Windows XP it won't start until the current user starts it. If the HTTP 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 HTTP service has failed to start.

Dependencies

The following components depend on HTTP:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of HTTP

1. Run the Command Prompt.

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

sc config HTTP start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The HTTP service is using the HTTP.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 XP installation media.