Program Compatibility Assistant Service - Windows Vista Service
Provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant. If this service is stopped, the Program Compatibility Assistant will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Basic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Premium | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Business | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ultimate | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Program Compatibility Assistant Service |
| Service name: | PcaSvc |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\pcasvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Program Compatibility Assistant Service starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Program Compatibility Assistant Service fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the PcaSvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Program Compatibility Assistant Service will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreProgramCompatibilityAssistantServiceWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the pcasvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.