I downloaded a piece of software via Rapidshare, using the info in a thread about

Windows+XP+authenticate

I wondered why it hadn't been deleted from Rapidshare after so long. The reason seems to be that Microsoft are very happy with it. Why? Well....

You may find that on reboot, Windows cannot find the correct authentication file needed to start.

Error code: 0x80004005

Effectively, this disables your copy of Windows XP. If I'm missing something, please let me know. I'm lucky enough to already have two copies of XP and two hard drives, so I can still use my pc.

A fix for this, without having do download anything from Microsoft or use an XP boot disc would be very helpful.

Thanks to anyone who is willing to offer advice.

Hi,

It happens when the Authentication dlls you used to not match your build of XP - here is the how to fix article:

[hide]http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306081[/hide]

Also when downloading updates, skip the Malicious software removal tool.
When using an XP authentication, or Vista Authentication hack, you should set Windows Update to notify and allow you to choose which updates to install.
Then check the update descriptions and make sure you dont get the MRT, maliscious tool, or authentication updates.
Thats all you have to do.

A better approach would be to use an MSDN key. Activation hacks are messy and easily detected. Not to mention some of them are trojans.

Xtreame

Thanks very much for that - I'll give it a try. Much appreciated.

thank you