Hi, We are using Win2008 R2 and experiencing problem with “software protection service stops” automatically (grace ful) and every time the monitoring tool SCOM try to start it. I just want to know the default behavior of this service whether it is normal or any discrepancy where troubleshooting is required. Thanks Rajesh L

Should be Automatic (Delayed Start) by default. I'd check the system event log for errors. Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]

of course, is it the normal behaviour of stopping and starting (on demand) ? How ever thanx for your response.

Probably not but I'd check the system event log for errors. Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]

Hi Rajesh, By default, the Software Protection Service will start and stop on demand, which means, the service will be started when it’s called. This is a normal behavior in Windows Server 2008 R2. But if it is causing the problem, please find the exact error message and explain more about the problem so that we can investigate. Regards, Karen JiPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Appreciate your great information. Can you tell me the general usage of this and any impact if we set it to “Manual” or “disable”. Thanks…

Hi Rajesh, The Software Protection service (Sppsvc.exe) handles the digital license for Windows and Windows applications in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. It used to be the Software Licensing Service in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. It's normally used for the activation of Windows. For example, when there's any changes to the KMS activation. The Sppsvc service must be restarted to make the change take effect. Regards, Karen JiPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Really thankfull for your great information. Thanks...

Can you tell me what impact the service has being set to manual. Does it have to do the initial start up with the system to perform a check or can it be just set to manual and called when required. Thanks