Computer problem- anyone able to help?

MITCHAY · 16-11-2006, 12:15 PM

Hi guys, I thought I would post a thread on here about my problems with my computer since there seem to be some IT professionals on here.

This morning when I went to log onto my computer after I typed in my password, it came up with an error message like this.

"A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the licence for this computer Error Code: 0x80090019"

I clicked OK and all I get is my wallpaper. So I booted in Safe Mode and did all scans and nothing was found. I can't log in in SM with Networking so I'm using the schools computer.

Before anyone asks my Windows OS is genuine and it has never occured before this morning. Fine yesterday but not today.

Does anyone have any advice. I reformatted only a few months ago, and have AV, Spybot, Adaware and the firewall in the router. Never had anything since all of this installed.

Don't look up any p0rn or any other crap, and it's well and trully blocked by the firewall.

It's Windows XP SP2. Anything else you need just ask.

Thanks for any help that might be able to be offered.

knighto42 · 16-11-2006, 12:21 PM

Try a web search of the error code thru google or yahoo. I got a few links - one from microsoft's forum that might be of some help. I haven't had a chance to look thru it in detail, but hopefully it'll have some answers for you.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...1936&SiteID=25

OED666 · 16-11-2006, 12:59 PM

did you notice any windows updates that had been installed recently...

i am afraid to turn on my home pc, as i noticed an updated was installing when i shutdown my computer last night... i also have a legit copy.

BlewThunder · 16-11-2006, 01:01 PM

I had similar problem with mine....I just left it sitting there for a week....came back when I could be bothered trying to fix / format it....turned it on just for a laugh....worked....tempramental little bugger

:

EA2BA · 16-11-2006, 01:03 PM

latest windows updates seem to pushing some Active Directory stuff, I get errors in event viewer about AD now and we have not yet implented it.

AWD Chaser · 16-11-2006, 01:27 PM

Hi,

This error is to do with one of the Windows Updates - the WGA to be more specific. Bassicaly - it can't read your licence key in the registry... for one reason or another... you can restore the registry by many ways to fix this, but the quickest way is to backup, format and reinstall Windows... I know it's a pain... but it would take about 3 times longer and 5 times more frustrating to fix...

Sorry about the bad news....

S3SR · 16-11-2006, 02:05 PM

start > accessories > system tools > system restore and restore to the day before you installed the update....if this dont work then just format then when it asks you about automatic updates check notify me but dont automatically download or install them...this will allow you to uncheck the WGA download and never download it.

MS obviously have a bug that needs fixing.

heres something else from that forum

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...5803&SiteID=25

clontarf_x · 16-11-2006, 09:17 PM

It will be an unlegit copy. It's the only reason that error pops up. I suggest if you believe it was a genuine copy to take it back to where you purchased it from and belt them with it...

MITCHAY · 16-11-2006, 10:19 PM

It is a legit copy. It came in the box and has the hologram on the CD. This is the first time it has ever done it. It has done the check many times before to see if it is genuine.

Everyone is telling me reformat and I was hoping not to but looks like I'll just have to do a clean install ******* hell! I

f I just format C: drive my programs on the D: drive won't work anymore because the registry will be wiped right?

So should I just uninstall all the programs on the D: drive then format C:, that way all my music and documents are still there?

My version is XP Home so I will have to download all the updates for SP2 again dammit!

S3SR · 17-11-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

f I just format C: drive my programs on the D: drive won't work anymore because the registry will be wiped right?

So should I just uninstall all the programs on the D: drive then format C:, that way all my music and documents are still there?

My version is XP Home so I will have to download all the updates for SP2 again dammit!

best way is delete (uninstall is just wasting time) the folders off D: drive, format c: drive, reinstall windows, then sp2 if not already, antivirus/firewall, then log into ff.com.au and tell us if anything went wrong, then all your programs again. then updates
formatting is FUN

MITCHAY · 17-11-2006, 01:03 PM

I spose I could try uninstalling all the updates since SP2?

Yeah formatting sucks. Its not formatting that takes so long its installing everything back on. Last time I intstalled my AV I couldn't connect to the internet untill it made an automatic profile for it!

So just delete the program folders and keep the ones I want ie music and documents on D drive? Then the format will wipe any existence on the C drive.

17-11-2006, 01:22 PM

Possibly someone used a keygen and its come up with your key. They've done the update before you have so theirs is seen as the legit copy. Contact Microsoft.

DJL351 · 17-11-2006, 01:24 PM

If you want, try running the CD and choosing "repair".

I had an issue after an update two months ago, same sort of thing.
(no error message but blank screen with only small wallpaper)

I ran a repair and it replaced some of the WGA files etc.

Works fine now.
(note - the update that caused it has never been installed again on that machine)

Chippar · 17-11-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

I spose I could try uninstalling all the updates since SP2?

Yeah formatting sucks. Its not formatting that takes so long its installing everything back on. Last time I intstalled my AV I couldn't connect to the internet untill it made an automatic profile for it!

So just delete the program folders and keep the ones I want ie music and documents on D drive? Then the format will wipe any existence on the C drive.

Why not just try to restore your system back to an earlier date or when you used it last. Click on "start".then click on "Help and Support" then in "pick a Task", select "Undo changes to your computer with System Restore". Follow the prompts and select an earlier date when you know your computer was working correctly.

I'd try this before formatting or uninstalling files etc which I'd only do if everything else fails. You've got nothing to loose.

janek · 17-11-2006, 03:26 PM

OEM versions seem to do that... i work for Acer, and we have been getting a lot of calls about that

DivHunter · 17-11-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clontarf_x

It will be an unlegit copy. It's the only reason that error pops up. I suggest if you believe it was a genuine copy to take it back to where you purchased it from and belt them with it...

Nope, there are many instances where a OEM legit copy of windows will simply crack the shits and tell you it is not legit and or it can't read the key. There are bugs in the WGA software.

Answer: Don't bother with legit versions in the first place. Sure have your license just crack the sucker anyway, or dig up the right version of SP2 to not look at keys and don't let it update anymore.

Ringing Microsoft to re-activate works as well, just say you got a new hdd and they give you a code straight away. I have had to do this with servers that have been restored or moved to bigger RAID systems.

boss-290 · 17-11-2006, 04:03 PM

Best way to find out if its legit or not is to download the latest Internet Explorer.

Back your shit up and re format

MITCHAY · 17-11-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippitydip

Why not just try to restore your system back to an earlier date or when you used it last. Click on "start".then click on "Help and Support" then in "pick a Task", select "Undo changes to your computer with System Restore". Follow the prompts and select an earlier date when you know your computer was working correctly.

I'd try this before formatting or uninstalling files etc which I'd only do if everything else fails. You've got nothing to loose.

System Restore is disabled on my computer. The reason being is that it is no good if you use the Internet on your computer because if you get spyware and/or viruses it also saves that crap.

"Windows Genuine Advantage- Even if it's legit we will **** you over anyway!"

So if I uninstall SP2 or reformat and activate it again then don't download any updates with this WGA shit again it should be alright?

Last time I tried a repair, it just stuffed up completely. Nothing else is wrong with the computer, it just won't let me log on unless in Safe Mode.

I'd rather spend about $100 getting someone else to fix it rather than format but I doubt that would be the case.

MITCHAY · 19-11-2006, 06:20 PM

Well I formatted the C drive and reinstalled Windows. Now to install SP2 argghh! Lucky I've got beers to calm me down so I don't smash the bloody thing!

MITCHAY · 20-11-2006, 12:23 AM

SP2 is installed and I noticed in my Add/Remove programs that it has the WGA Tool installed (KB892130) and it cannot be removed apparently.

Apparently you need this to get updates. I have so far been able to login as normal (touch wood).