Error: "File System Auto-Protect is not functioning correctly"

Products

• Endpoint Protection

Issue/Introduction

The Symantec Endpoint Protection client shows the warning: "File System Auto-Protect is not functioning correctly. Your protection definitions may be damaged or your product installation may be corrupt"

Cause

There are several possible causes for this issue:

• After migration/upgrade, the computer was not restarted.
• Corrupted virus definitions.
• Incorrect DCOM permissions prior to installation.
• Services not started or set to disabled.

Resolution

Solution 1: After migration or upgrade, the computer was not restarted

Restart the computer to finish the migration or upgrade.

Solution 2: Corrupted virus definitions

Run the Intelligent Updater on the client machine to update the definitions. See Update Endpoint Protection definitions with Intelligent Updater

Solution 3: Incorrect DCOM permissions prior to installation

1. Uninstall SEP
2. Change DCOM permissions
3. Re-install SEP

To change the Default Impersonation Level using Dcomcnfg.exe

1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Run.
2. Type the following: dcomcnfg.exe
3. Click OK.
4. Perform one of the following:
   • Expand Component Services, and then expand Computers. Right-click My Computer, and click Properties. On the Default Properties tab, on the Default Impersonation Level menu, click Identify.
   • Click OK.

Solution 4: Services not started or set to disabled

Start and set Symantec services to 'Automatic' startup type

1. Open the Windows Services Console
2. Click Start > Run
3. Type and execute command 'Services.msc'
4. Make sure that the following services are started and set to 'Automatic' 
   • Symantec Endpoint Protection
   • Symantec Event Manager
   • Symantec Management Client
   • Symantec Settings Manager

If the above services are not set to 'Automatic,' follow these steps:

1. Select and right-click 'Symantec *Service Name*'
2. Select 'Properties'
3. Change 'Startup Type' to 'Automatic'
4. Click 'Apply'

If the above services are set to automatic but are not started, follow these steps:

1. Select and right click 'Symantec *Service Name*'
2. Click 'Start' to start the service.
3. The Symantec Services should now be started and set to 'Automatic' startup type.