A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking

Question

I have a DELL Inspiron 5150 with Windows XP Home SP2. Love it. very reliable. All of a sudden, yesterday when I logged on, I started getting a message:

"A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error Code: 0x80004005"

I searched on the DELL forum and followed the advice based on Microsoft Bulletin 306081 and 310794, which recognize this problem on DELL laptops.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306081

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310794&sd=RMVP

Well, I tried 310794, but my PC did not improve.

I repaired my Windows from the supplied CD. It worked for a while then, back to the activation error message.

I tried steps suggested by Microsoft in 306081. I can get in but I can't launch much of the software. It says access denied.

This is very frustrating. I have spent a good 48 hours doing almost nothing but trying to search for solutions and to try them.

Can you please suggest a fix that will guarantee I won't run into this issue again.

Thanks,
Mike Bitar

byker49 · Answer

Have you tried windows update? Might help. Others may have suggestions as well. That's a new error message to me. Have you Googled the error messages? I wouldn't take too many drastic steps. It really is probably something simple but the only thing I can think of is try windows update. Try that update and if you get an error or something post back to this board. I am sure a much more experienced user will be along soon.The best advice is to first do no harm and proceed with caution.

HABIT · Answer

It seems a combination of fixes was necessary to resolve the issue.

1) The Microsoft fixes
2) The physical removal of ZoneAlarm Pro (latest) firewall

While the MS fixes allowed me to log back into Windows, I was still having access denied problems to many applications. The strange thing is that ZoneAlarm was not loaded on startup. And even after I removed it using the Control Panel, it did not help. So I had to physically remove the two ZoneAlarm folders, one from the Program Files director and the other from the Windows/System32 directory.

Now I can log in and run my apps. I am crossing my fingers.

Thanks to the folks who offered suggestions.

HABIT · Answer

After I repaired Windows XP from the DELL CD, I let Update take its course. It downloaded the hotfixes, SP2, then some more hotfixes. Then the problem kicked in. The problem has been reported on DELL forums. Microsoft recognizes it on Dell laptops. I was hoping Dell support may help with some ideas.

Windows General

A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking

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