Knowledge

ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST - 1060 (0x424)

The specified service does not exist as an installed service.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Introduction

This article provides a detailed explanation of the Windows error code ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST with numeric value 1060 and hexadecimal representation 0x424. This error indicates that a service requested by an application or system component does not exist in the current context.

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST is returned when a service name specified by an API call, such as StartService, OpenSCManager, or QueryServiceStatusEx, does not correspond to any installed service on the system. This error code is specific and indicates that the requested service is not available.

Error Details

The error ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST can occur in various scenarios, such as when a service name provided by an application or script is incorrect, misspelled, or does not match any existing services on the system. This error code is typically returned by the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM) and other related APIs.

Usage Context

This error can be encountered in several contexts:

  • When attempting to start a service using StartService.
  • When querying the status of a service with QueryServiceStatusEx or similar functions.
  • During operations that require access to specific services, such as configuration changes or dependency checks.

Developer Interpretation

Developers should interpret this error code as an indication that the requested service does not exist on the system. This can be due to several reasons:

  • The service name is incorrect or misspelled.
  • The service has been uninstalled or disabled.
  • The service was never installed in the first place.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_SERVICE_NAME_NOT_FOUND (1062, 0x426): This error indicates that a service name provided to an API call does not exist on the system. It is similar but distinct from ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST, which specifically refers to services.
  • ERROR_INVALID_SERVICE_CONTROL (1068, 0x434): This error occurs when an invalid control code is passed to a service control function, such as StartServiceCtrlDispatcher or ControlService.

FAQ

Q: Can this error occur on any system?

A: Yes, it can occur on any Windows system where services are managed through the Service Control Manager (SCM).

Q: Is there a way to check if a service exists before performing an operation?

A: Yes, you can use OpenSCManager and EnumServicesStatusEx to list all available services and verify their existence.

Summary

The error code ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST (1060) is specific and indicates that a requested service does not exist on the system. Developers should handle this error by validating service names, ensuring correct installation of services, and checking for any typos or misspellings in service names.