A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error code: 0x80004005 after automatic windows update October 2009
Last night my desktop computer (Windows XP Home edition) downloaded 11 Microsoft security updates and to instal them required me to turn the computer off. On restarting it I encountered the above message, and cannot proceed any further. The desktop does not have unlicensed Microsoft software but it was not sold (by Morgan Computer in Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC1, a very popular and reputable supplier of refurbished equipment) with an operating system CD. The Microsoft MS.COM "help" section does not of course help.
Fortunately, the desktop C drive is entirely accessible via our home network. If I knew which files to delete or rename or replace, I could do it from this laptop PC.
I would be very grateful if someone could assist. It is galling that, as things stand, Microsoft seems to have sabotaged my family's main computer.
The error has to do with Windows Product Activation, which is not Windows Genuine Advantage.
However, when people with the problem post in general help forums, the helpers see "license" and automatically think it's WGA when it is really Product Activation.For great advice on all topics XP, visit http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp
Marked as answer byDarin Smith MSFriday, October 23, 2009 9:09 PM
Last night my desktop computer (Windows XP Home edition) downloaded 11 Microsoft security updates and to instal them required me to turn the computer off. On restarting it I encountered the above message, and cannot proceed any further. The desktop does not have unlicensed Microsoft software but it was not sold (by Morgan Computer in Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC1, a very popular and reputable supplier of refurbished equipment) with an operating system CD. The Microsoft MS.COM "help" section does not of course help.
Fortunately, the desktop C drive is entirely accessible via our home network. If I knew which files to delete or rename or replace, I could do it from this laptop PC.
I would be very grateful if someone could assist. It is galling that, as things stand, Microsoft seems to have sabotaged my family's main computer.
Thank you
Mark Daley
I should add that we do have anti-virus (Avira) and I understand that there may be some kind of conflict between Microsoft's updates and our anti-virus software. That knowledge does not really get me anywhere however.
I notice that on the desktop, in C:\windows a large (1.9 Mb) text file called "WindowsUpdate" was created after this happened. In case it is relevantl, these are the final few lines from that file:
Since this forum is for Windows Genuine Advantage issues only, you should be able to get better and faster support if you post in a forum that has dealt with your specific issue before.
Thank you Dan. If anyone else can help I would appreciate it. This forum had seemed from my initial google search to be a likely one since the error seemed to be commonly associated with WGA. Still, beggars cannot be choosers and perhaps I am in the wrong place after all.
The error has to do with Windows Product Activation, which is not Windows Genuine Advantage.
However, when people with the problem post in general help forums, the helpers see "license" and automatically think it's WGA when it is really Product Activation.For great advice on all topics XP, visit http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp
Marked as answer byDarin Smith MSFriday, October 23, 2009 9:09 PM
