HTTP SSL (HTTPFilter) Service Defaults in Windows XP

This service implements the secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) for the HTTP service, using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL). If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

The HTTP SSL service does not exist in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:HTTP SSL
Service name:HTTPFilter
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k HTTPFilter
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\w3ssl.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HTTPFilter

Default Behavior

HTTP SSL is a Win32 service. In Windows XP it won't start until the current user starts it. When the HTTP SSL 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 HTTP SSL 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 HTTPFilter service has failed to start.

Dependencies

HTTP SSL depends on the HTTP service.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of HTTP SSL

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which HTTP SSL 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 HTTPFilter start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The HTTPFilter service is using the w3ssl.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.