Environment is win7 Professional 64bit client connected to active directory on Server 2003 domain. There is a group policy to enable/disable offline files. Win7 client is getting the correct policy applied to enable offline files. The offline files service on win7 client is set to automatic startup, but does not start: Error 3 The system cannot find the path specified. I would also like to reinitialize client side cache, but it looks like this procedure has changed and I am unable to find documentation to reinitialize.

Hi, Based on my research, this issue can occur by corrupted registry or system file. I suggest you copy the following files on another Windows 7 machine which Offline Files service can start normally and import them to the problematic one. 1. Locate the cscsvc.dll file under the folder C:\Windows\System32. Remove the old one and paste the new one. 2. Navigate the following registry key on another Windows 7 machine and export it. Then, please copy and import it on the problematic machine. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\CscService If the issue persists after performing above suggestions, I suggest you run System File Checker (SFC) to verify whether any system file is corrupted. Thanks, Novak

Hi, Based on my research, this issue can occur by corrupted registry or system file. I suggest you copy the following files on another Windows 7 machine which Offline Files service can start normally and import them to the problematic one. 1. Locate the cscsvc.dll file under the folder C:\Windows\System32. Remove the old one and paste the new one. 2. Navigate the following registry key on another Windows 7 machine and export it. Then, please copy and import it on the problematic machine. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\CscService If the issue persists after performing above suggestions, I suggest you run System File Checker (SFC) to verify whether any system file is corrupted. Thanks, Novak

Novak,Thanks for your research and reply. This is our first win7 machine, so I don't have another that has offline files working properly. Our other installs with properly functioning offline files are winxp pro. I could probably extract the cscsvc.dll file from the cab, but there was no media included with the new win7 laptop. Maybe the cab files are on the c: drive? I am of course unable to export the registry key for the same reason. Are there alternative ways to obtain the dll and registry entry?In any event, I will run SFC on the install. I don't have access to the machine until Friday, so I'll report back then. Thanks again ...Jeff

Novak,Thanks for your research and reply. This is our first win7 machine, so I don't have another that has offline files working properly. Our other installs with properly functioning offline files are winxp pro. I could probably extract the cscsvc.dll file from the cab, but there was no media included with the new win7 laptop. Maybe the cab files are on the c: drive? I am of course unable to export the registry key for the same reason. Are there alternative ways to obtain the dll and registry entry?In any event, I will run SFC on the install. I don't have access to the machine until Friday, so I'll report back then. Thanks again ...Jeff

Since the above files cannot be copied, I have already uploaded them on the website. Please download them from the following links:CscService.txt (Please save the file and rename it to CscService.reg and then import it to the computer)Cscsvc.dllThanks,Novak

Since the above files cannot be copied, I have already uploaded them on the website. Please download them from the following links:CscService.txt (Please save the file and rename it to CscService.reg and then import it to the computer)Cscsvc.dllThanks,Novak

Downloaded and replaced Cscsvc.dllDownloaded and imported CscService.regRebootedOffline files still disabledAttempted to start offline file service from services administration and received Error 193:0xc1Rebooted to safe mode (administrator)Ran SFCSFC found corruption in system files and successfully repairedRebooted normallyOffline files still disabledAttempted to start offline file service from services administration and received Error 3: The system cannot find the path specified (original error)

Downloaded and replaced Cscsvc.dllDownloaded and imported CscService.regRebootedOffline files still disabledAttempted to start offline file service from services administration and received Error 193:0xc1Rebooted to safe mode (administrator)Ran SFCSFC found corruption in system files and successfully repairedRebooted normallyOffline files still disabledAttempted to start offline file service from services administration and received Error 3: The system cannot find the path specified (original error)

Since the issue persists after perform above suggestions, I suggest you perform an In-Place upgrade (Repair install) to repair the corrupted files. 1. Start the computer by using the current Operating System. 2. Insert the Windows 7 DVD in the computer's DVD drive. 3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate: If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now. If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps: a. Click the Start Button, type Drive:\setup.exe in the start search box and then click OK. Note: Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive. b. Click Install now. 4. When you reach the "Which type of installation do you want?" screen, click Upgrade to upgrade the current operating system to Windows 7. When the repair installation is completed, please verify the Offline Files service again. Thanks, Novak

Since the issue persists after perform above suggestions, I suggest you perform an In-Place upgrade (Repair install) to repair the corrupted files. 1. Start the computer by using the current Operating System. 2. Insert the Windows 7 DVD in the computer's DVD drive. 3. Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate: If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now. If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps: a. Click the Start Button, type Drive:\setup.exe in the start search box and then click OK. Note: Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive. b. Click Install now. 4. When you reach the "Which type of installation do you want?" screen, click Upgrade to upgrade the current operating system to Windows 7. When the repair installation is completed, please verify the Offline Files service again. Thanks, Novak

Is there another way to perform the in-place upgrade without having the win7 installation media? This is a new laptop that shipped without any media. There is a recovery partition, but that is for a full image restore to factory config. I know Office media can be downloaded from Microsoft with a valid key. Is this available for win7?Thanks,Jeff

Is there another way to perform the in-place upgrade without having the win7 installation media? This is a new laptop that shipped without any media. There is a recovery partition, but that is for a full image restore to factory config. I know Office media can be downloaded from Microsoft with a valid key. Is this available for win7?Thanks,Jeff

Hi Jeff, Based on my research, there is no Windows 7 media except the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial. However, it may not resolve the issue since it's different with your version. Based on current situation, it's highly recommended to contact the laptop vender to get a full installation media so that we can complete the In-Place Upgrade. Thanks, Novak

Hi Jeff, Based on my research, there is no Windows 7 media except the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial. However, it may not resolve the issue since it's different with your version. Based on current situation, it's highly recommended to contact the laptop vender to get a full installation media so that we can complete the In-Place Upgrade. Thanks, Novak

Novak,The laptop (HP) was purchased originally with Windows 7 Home Premium installed (no media). I immediately purchased and installed the Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional (which also has no media). I can probably get replacement media from HP, but it will be for Home Premium. I contacted Microsoft about getting replacement media for Windows 7 Professional and was told that there is no media for Anytime Upgrades, only a product key that unlocks the upgrade. I don't think you want me to do an in-place upgrade of my existing Win7 Pro environment with Win7 Home Premium, or do you? Thanks ...Jeff

Novak,The laptop (HP) was purchased originally with Windows 7 Home Premium installed (no media). I immediately purchased and installed the Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Professional (which also has no media). I can probably get replacement media from HP, but it will be for Home Premium. I contacted Microsoft about getting replacement media for Windows 7 Professional and was told that there is no media for Anytime Upgrades, only a product key that unlocks the upgrade. I don't think you want me to do an in-place upgrade of my existing Win7 Pro environment with Win7 Home Premium, or do you? Thanks ...Jeff

Do you have a product key for Windows 7 Professional? Is the Windows 7 Home Premium CD a Recovery CD or full installation CD? If you have a Windows 7 Professional key and the Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a full installation CD, you can use the CD to complete the In-Place Upgrade. The content of the installation media is the same between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium. The only difference is the license and you can type the Windows 7 Professional key when it indicates to enter the key. For more information, please refer to the link below: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths Thanks, Novak

Do you have a product key for Windows 7 Professional? Is the Windows 7 Home Premium CD a Recovery CD or full installation CD? If you have a Windows 7 Professional key and the Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a full installation CD, you can use the CD to complete the In-Place Upgrade. The content of the installation media is the same between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium. The only difference is the license and you can type the Windows 7 Professional key when it indicates to enter the key. For more information, please refer to the link below: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths Thanks, Novak

Yes, I do have a product key for Windows 7 Professional. The Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a Recovery CD.Is there a way to perform the in-place upgrade with a Recovery CD? I called HP to request replacement installation media (full installation CD) and they informed me that the Recovery CD's are provided for reinstallation.Thanks ...Jeff

Yes, I do have a product key for Windows 7 Professional. The Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a Recovery CD.Is there a way to perform the in-place upgrade with a Recovery CD? I called HP to request replacement installation media (full installation CD) and they informed me that the Recovery CD's are provided for reinstallation.Thanks ...Jeff

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Novak,Just a quick observation. The version of cscsvc.dll on my Windows 7 Professional is 673KB in size. The version I downloaded from you above is 532KB in size. However, after replacing my version with yours, SFC /scannow reports corruption and reverts cscsvc.dll back to the 673KB version.Jeff

Novak,Just a quick observation. The version of cscsvc.dll on my Windows 7 Professional is 673KB in size. The version I downloaded from you above is 532KB in size. However, after replacing my version with yours, SFC /scannow reports corruption and reverts cscsvc.dll back to the 673KB version.Jeff

Do you have a product key for Windows 7 Professional? Is the Windows 7 Home Premium CD a Recovery CD or full installation CD? If you have a Windows 7 Professional key and the Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a full installation CD, you can use the CD to complete the In-Place Upgrade. The content of the installation media is the same between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium. The only difference is the license and you can type the Windows 7 Professional key when it indicates to enter the key. For more information, please refer to the link below: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths Thanks, Novak Novak,I finally obtained installation media for Win7 Home Premium per your suggestion. Your recommendation above is wrong. When I try to perfom an upgrade installation, it fails because "Windows 7 Professional cannot be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium". I'm now 4 weeks down the road with the same problem and beginning to think Windows 7 is about the same quality product as Windows Vista.

Do you have a product key for Windows 7 Professional? Is the Windows 7 Home Premium CD a Recovery CD or full installation CD? If you have a Windows 7 Professional key and the Windows 7 Home Premium CD is a full installation CD, you can use the CD to complete the In-Place Upgrade. The content of the installation media is the same between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium. The only difference is the license and you can type the Windows 7 Professional key when it indicates to enter the key. For more information, please refer to the link below: Windows 7 Upgrade Paths Thanks, Novak Novak,I finally obtained installation media for Win7 Home Premium per your suggestion. Your recommendation above is wrong. When I try to perfom an upgrade installation, it fails because "Windows 7 Professional cannot be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium". I'm now 4 weeks down the road with the same problem and beginning to think Windows 7 is about the same quality product as Windows Vista.

Novak,Can I get some kind of update on this issue? I've performed everything requested to date.Jeff

Novak,Can I get some kind of update on this issue? I've performed everything requested to date.Jeff

Still no update ... not even the courtesy of a response. I don't get it ...

Still no update ... not even the courtesy of a response. I don't get it ...

Windows 7 offline files ... heal thyself!

Windows 7 offline files ... heal thyself!

Novak ... this is your conscience speaking ... Windows 7 offline files still no worky ... are we out of timewasters???

Novak ... this is your conscience speaking ... Windows 7 offline files still no worky ... are we out of timewasters???

I have the same problem. We had a windows 7 home premium (64bit) machine, that an in-place upgrade was done to, up to Win 7 Professional (64bit), and the service is giving the same error as you, and the environment ( server 2003/gpo pushing offline files ). What did you end up doing?

I have the same problem. We had a windows 7 home premium (64bit) machine, that an in-place upgrade was done to, up to Win 7 Professional (64bit), and the service is giving the same error as you, and the environment ( server 2003/gpo pushing offline files ). What did you end up doing?

I completely gave up on it ... just like Microsoft support did for me. To this day I am still unable to start the offline file service. My next step is full reinstallation of Win7 Pro. I just don't have time right now. Anyone else have this problem?

I completely gave up on it ... just like Microsoft support did for me. To this day I am still unable to start the offline file service. My next step is full reinstallation of Win7 Pro. I just don't have time right now. Anyone else have this problem?

From: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/bb58d04c-ee4e-4524-a5b9-35f2aab127c9 "You may try the following steps to open the Offline files feature. 1. Click the Start Menu. Then type Offline files in the search box. 2. Then Click the Manage Offline files in the search result. 3. Hit Enable Offline files. You can’t start the Offline files service via Service Manager." I came across your issue first after getting the same error trying to manually start the service. The steps listed above worked fine ... the service was started and enabled for me as part of the process.

From: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/bb58d04c-ee4e-4524-a5b9-35f2aab127c9 "You may try the following steps to open the Offline files feature. 1. Click the Start Menu. Then type Offline files in the search box. 2. Then Click the Manage Offline files in the search result. 3. Hit Enable Offline files. You can’t start the Offline files service via Service Manager." I came across your issue first after getting the same error trying to manually start the service. The steps listed above worked fine ... the service was started and enabled for me as part of the process.

From: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/bb58d04c-ee4e-4524-a5b9-35f2aab127c9 "You may try the following steps to open the Offline files feature. 1. Click the Start Menu. Then type Offline files in the search box. 2. Then Click the Manage Offline files in the search result. 3. Hit Enable Offline files. You can’t start the Offline files service via Service Manager." I came across your issue first after getting the same error trying to manually start the service. The steps listed above worked fine ... the service was started and enabled for me as part of the process. I too am having the same problem - I've tried all of the above and nothing worked - has anybody else come across this problem and managed to resolve it in any other way? I'm at the end of my tether with this!!! Thanks Ian

From: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itpronetworking/thread/bb58d04c-ee4e-4524-a5b9-35f2aab127c9 "You may try the following steps to open the Offline files feature. 1. Click the Start Menu. Then type Offline files in the search box. 2. Then Click the Manage Offline files in the search result. 3. Hit Enable Offline files. You can’t start the Offline files service via Service Manager." I came across your issue first after getting the same error trying to manually start the service. The steps listed above worked fine ... the service was started and enabled for me as part of the process. I too am having the same problem - I've tried all of the above and nothing worked - has anybody else come across this problem and managed to resolve it in any other way? I'm at the end of my tether with this!!! Thanks Ian

I had same issue, this post has fix for CSC database that fixed my system. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistanetworking/thread/9fee84a9-24de-4d53-a2b0-3dd3c1d7bf1a/ @sqlguychuck

I had same issue, this post has fix for CSC database that fixed my system. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistanetworking/thread/9fee84a9-24de-4d53-a2b0-3dd3c1d7bf1a/ @sqlguychuck

Jeff, I too am having the same issue... But i just wanted to let you know that i appreciate your sense of humor... I Loved the 'Heal thyself' as well as the 'timewasters"... You had me rolling! ;) Arlene

Jeff, I too am having the same issue... But i just wanted to let you know that i appreciate your sense of humor... I Loved the 'Heal thyself' as well as the 'timewasters"... You had me rolling! ;) Arlene

EvBell, Thanks for your advice. I WAS able to enable Offline Files by doing exactly what you said. Typed "Offline" in the search bar on the start menu and then selected "Manage Offline Files" and selected "Enable Offline Files." Thanks!

EvBell, Thanks for your advice. I WAS able to enable Offline Files by doing exactly what you said. Typed "Offline" in the search bar on the start menu and then selected "Manage Offline Files" and selected "Enable Offline Files." Thanks!

Hello, I'm writing this, cause I know this is a big help when there is problems and people like me count on it to solve them. I was having problems with offline files, I got frustrated with it, it took me all weekend but after all i got to solve it!! I was getting the error 3 The system cannot find the path specified. when I was manually starting the offline files service. I tried all I read outthere but nothing worked, here is how I solved it; By the way i read this also on one of the threads!!: * rename or append Old or whatever to the folder inside the CSC folder on windows!! Take ownership or whaterver it takes to rename it!!, Disable offline files!! reboot Pc, * enable offline files, it shows that it created a new folder inside CSC and it's working!! Disable Offline Files, rename the new folder it created and the other one that you rename or append something to it and put it as the original. Now enable offline files reboot Pc and it should be working!!! This was the only thing that worked for me after a lot of trying everything on the net!! I hope this can help everybody else just having problems!! By the way, Offline Files always worked super great for me, Just now that I'm self studying for the certification of Windows 7 that I messed it and had this problem, I tried to retrace every step I took but no luck, Also I did system restores and everything but still the problem with offline files remained, again that was all it took to fix it!! I hope this can help every Body out there having problems!! Good Day!!!

@YDelSol Thank you very much, your solution helped me. dilaxch

This was the trick. Thanks

@YDelSol Thank you very much, your solution helped me. dilaxch

This was the trick. Thanks

Hello, Solution Below I just had the same issue. Win7 64 PRO inplace upgrade from Win7 Home Prem - Toshiba Laptop. Offline Files would not start. Event 7000 in Event Viewer: Log Name: System Source: Service Control Manager Date: 11/25/2012 11:00:04 AM Event ID: 7000 The Offline Files Driver service failed to start due to the following error: The parameter is incorrect. Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="Service Control Manager" Guid="{555908d1-a6d7-4695-8e1e-26931d2012f4}" EventSourceName="Service Control Manager" /> <Data Name="param1">Offline Files Driver</Data> <Data Name="param2">%%87</Data> </EventData> </Event> This is a hangover issue from Vista. Follow the instructions in these links. First: http://batcmd.com/windows/vista/services/rdbss/ - Redirected Buffering Sub Sysytem Second: http://batcmd.com/windows/vista/services/csc/ - Restore Default Startup Type for Offline Files Driver Additionally, once you have completed running these batch files, verify the startup type for the Offline Files Service is Automatic and the startup type for the Offline Files driver is System To get to the Offline Files Service: Start Button->Run->services.msc->Offline Files - Verify startup=Automatic. To get to the Offline Files Driver: Start Button->DevMgmt.msc->View->Show Hidden Devices->Non-Plug and Play Drivers->Offline Files Drivers - Double click and go the the Driver tab. The Type should be System. If not change it and restart the computer. Let me know if this helps by "Vote As Helpful" on this thread. Robert