Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server6.0.x has been installed on a Windows server but the service doesn't start or remains in a "stopping" state right after starting it.

Windows application log shows this Event at Error level and Source "Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server".

Module=DirectorThread | Exception message=Object reference not set to an instance of an object. | Stack=   at Symantec.Sharepoint.SPSSService.Code.DirectorThread.GetSPSSEnabledServer(String server)
   at Symantec.Sharepoint.SPSSService.Code.DirectorThread.UpdateSPSSEnabledServerEntry()
   at Symantec.Sharepoint.SPSSService.Code.DirectorThread.ThreadProc()

The account used to install Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server does not have the required permission and/or the installation is corrupted.

Depending on the root cause, you may need to perform one or both the following steps.

(1) Identify an Admin account with the following permissions:

• SharePoint Farm Adminstrator
• Local Administrator for the SharePoint server
• db_creator for the SharePoint Database Server
• db_owner for the SharePoint Configuration Database and SharePoint Content Database
   

Change then the credentials used to start the Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server service in Windows Services snap-in. You can do it from the LogOn tab in the Properties of the service.

(2) If this is not enough to successfully start the Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server service, it is possible that the software is corrupted. Corruption can occur for instances where the Windows server has not been shut down properly.

You would then need to repair the installation by reinstalling the product. Only install Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server (not Symantec Scan Engine) and enter the credentials identified at point (1).

Applies To

Symantec Protection for SharePoint Server 6.0.x

Windows Server 2008 all editions