WithSecure product installation fails due to error: “F-Secure Hoster (Restricted) failed to start”

Issue:

This articles applies to the following WithSecure products: Client Security, Server Security, Elements EPP for Computers, Elements EPP for Servers

The WithSecure installation fails and I see windows system event log shows error message: "Error 1920. Service 'F-Secure Hoster (Restricted)' (fsnethoster) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services." 

Resolution:

The error message might indicate that there are missing permissions in the root-directory where the WithSecure product is trying to be installed or is installed.

We recommend download and run the WithSecure Uninstallation Tool, then delete the entire C:\Program Files (x86)\F-Secure folder, reboot the, and retry the installation. Uninstallation Tool can be downloaded from here: https://support.withsecure.com/en/support-tools/

If running the uninstallation tool and restarting the computer did not fix the issue:

• You will have to verify that the default permission set. If you are using the default installation path (C:\Program Files (x86)\F-Secure), verify that the Program Files (x86) directory has permissions set for the following: NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE.
• In doubt, reset the permission on that specific directory back to defaults and retry the installation.

Other possible solutions:

• Check if Windows is fully updated
• Check or reinstall .NET Framework 4.7.x
• Check or reinstall Universal CRT

Potential Workaround:

1. Rename following files to anything else (e.g. vcruntime140_old.dll):

• On 64 bit Windows: 

• C:\Windows\SysWOW64\vcruntime140.dll
  C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msvcp140.dll

  ​On 32 bit Windows:

  • C:\Windows\System32\vcruntime140.dll
    C:\Windows\System32\msvcp140.dll

2. ​​Restart the host

If the steps above still causing error message "fsnethoster does not have sufficient privileges", there is a possibility that registry key HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20 doesn't have the required permission for NETWORK SERVICE and fsnethoster is unable to create an entry there. For this follow the steps below to try fix the issue:

1. Click Start
2. Type regedit, and press Enter
3. Navigate to and select registry key HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20
4. Select Edit
5. Select Permissions
6. Click Add…
7. Type NETWORK SERVICE
8. Click Check Names (the name should get underlined)
9. Click OK
10. Check Allow checkbox for Full Control (also Read permission should be automatically allowed)
11. Click Apply
12. Click OK