(Cribbed from Microsoft forums) This firewall issue is commonly found on vista and windows 7 (64 BIT OS)

NOTE: This FIX requires modifying your registry, replacing existing settings using downloaded registry files from one of our favorite support companies: bleepingcomputer.com - these guys know what's up.

Please NOTE: the symbol is a key on your keyboard, and it should be HELD DOWN WHILE TAPPING the other key ONE TIME.

1. Download both the registry files:
• Windows firewall - MpsSvc
• Base filtering engine - BFE
2. Launch them both and click YES when you get a UAC prompt


3. Restart your PC.

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Once your system has restarted,

1. Press + R key and type
3. regedit and press enter (or click ok)
4. go to

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BFE

5. Right click on it-permissions
6. Click on ADD and type
7. Everyone and click ok
8. Now Click on Everyone
9. Below you have permission for users
10. Select full control and click ok
11. Press + R key and type

    services.msc and click ok
    

12. start base filtering engine service and then windows firewall service

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If you still have this error

Windows could not start Windows Firewall on local Computer. See event log, if non-windows services contact vendor. Error code 5.

Download and launch this key Shared access

Click YES when you get a UAC prompt

Go to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SharedAccess

Right click on it -permissions

Click on Add and type

Everyone and select Full control

You should be able to start firewall now

You may also be missing security center windows defender ,BITS and windows update services

Download

Security center service- wscsvc

windows defender -windefend

BITS - BITS

Windows update - wuauserv

Launch them and click YES when you get a UAC prompt,restart the PC

Good Luck!!

*DISCLAIMER*

Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. NO ONE can guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk...