Setup: -Tor expert (0.2.3.25-win32-1) -Win7 Ultimate x64 -Deviations from default config are multiple SOCKS Ports and one mapped .onion address --------- Error configuration A: -No running tor processes -Command (in elevated CMD): "tor --service install -options socksport #### socksport #### [...] mapaddress 10.40.40.40 somehiddenservice.onion -Result: "Service installed successfully Service failed to start : An exception occurred in the service when handling the control request." Alternately - -Command (in elevated CMD): "tor --service install -options socksport #### socksport #### [... NO mapaddress option appended] -Result: Service installs and runs successfully and listens on all requested SOCKS ports. --------- Error configuration B: -No running tor processes -Pre-customized torrc file is located at the end of the paths specified. In this case, it does not make a difference whether the torrc contains only extra SOCKSPort lines or also contains the mapaddress line. -Command (in elevated CMD): "tor --service install -options -f C:\users\personalusername\appdata\roaming\tor\torrc" -Result: "Service installed successfully Service failed to start : An exception occurred in the service when handling the control request." or -Command (in elevated CMD): "tor --service install -options -f C:\torrc" -Result: "Service installed successfully Service failed to start : An exception occurred in the service when handling the control request." Alternately - -Command (in elevated CMD): "tor --service install -options -f C:\users\default\appdata\roaming\tor\torrc" -Result: Service installs and runs successfully, including listening on all requested SOCKS Ports and successfully mapping the .onion address. --------- Conclusions: (1) The Tor NT service apparently cannot start due to a control exception if there is a mapaddress option appended to the installation command. (2) The Tor NT service apparently cannot start due to a control exception if it is directed to a torrc file anywhere other than the "default" user's appdata folder, regardless of the contents of the torrc. **Trac**: **Username**: AdamColligan