Error 1053 is a common error code triggered while working with the PostgreSQL database.

It displays the message “the service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion” due to incorrect file permissions, missing files etc.

As a part of our PostgreSQL Management Services, we help customers to fix PostgreSQL errors routinely.

Let us today discuss the possible reasons and solutions for Error code1053.

What causes Postgresql error 1053

The error message 1053 states ‘The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion’. If a request to start a service does not respond in a specific time window, it triggers 1053 error message.

The common reasons for this error include:

• Low timeout value
• Firewall restrictions
• Corrupted files
• Permission of file

Let us now look at each of these reasons in detail and the tips to fix them.

Low timeout value

The Microsoft Windows Service Control Manager controls the state (i.e., started, stopped, paused, etc.) of all Windows services. By default, it will wait 30 seconds for a service to respond. However, certain configurations, technical restrictions, or performance issues may result in the service taking longer than 30 seconds to start and respond to the Control Manager. This, in turn, triggers the 1053 error.

It can be fixed easily by setting a ServicesPipeTimeout DWORD value. This value overrides the default timeout value. However, incorrect usage of the use of the Microsoft Windows Registry Editor can cause serious damages like operating systems corruption and inability to boot.

To override the timeout value:

1. First, open the Registry editor from Start > Run > and type regedit.
2. Then,generate a backup of the registry files using the export option.
3. Next, navigate to location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
4. With the control folder selected, right click in the pane on the right and select new DWORD Value
Name the new DWORD: ServicesPipeTimeout

5. then, right-click ServicesPipeTimeout, and then click Modify
Click Decimal, type '180000'.
6. Finally, restart the system.

Firewall restrictions

If you see the error 1053 on a new PostgreSQL installation, it is most probably related to some firewall rules. Some firewalls prevent Postgres from starting. This could be a restriction on the port or any similar setting. Disabling the firewall temporarily will help to eliminate the firewall factor.

Permission of file

Another common reason that can trigger 1053 is the permission of the files. More details on the error can be obtained from the Windows Event viewer or PostgreSQL’s error logs.

For instance, this error will be triggered if the Postgres working directory was set to be read-only mode. This could happen as a result of any changes made by anti-virus programs installed in the server. Setting read permission to everyone can fix the issue here.

Corrupted files

Another common instance that triggers this error message is where the installation of the application is somewhat corrupt. Reinstallation can help to fix the issue here.

This error message may not be limited to corrupt PostgreSQL installation files at times. For instance, if any of the Windows core files are missing or somehow corrupt, it may cause some important modules not to work. As a result, it may trigger the same 1053  error.

We can use any of the file system checking tools to check the system file structure with that of a fresh copy present online. These tools then replace those files accordingly in case of a discrepancy.

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Conclusion

In short, the Postgresql error 1053 is triggered due to permission issues, timeout settings, firewall restrictions etc. Today we discussed some tips that our Support Engineers followed to fix the error 1053.