error 4201 event viewer

When trying to view event viewer I am getting the follwing error

error4201: the instance name passed was not recognized as valid by a WMI data provider

windows could not start the Windows Event Log service on Local Computer

I have gone into services and the event service start is set to automatic, and while I try to also start it from there in services, I get the same error. My laptop model is XPS M1530 with Windows Vista service pack 2.

Doing some internet searching, this problem seemed to arise when people were trying to update to service pack 1. I am having trouble finding new directions to get the event log service back on.  Are there any newer directions to follow?

Jim