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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 06:32:37 AM

Title: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 06:32:37 AM

I need some help.  I updated Avast when it prompted me to do so and then after that, I keep getting these messages that says:

"An unauthorized change was made to windows

You will no longer receive notifications, including those about your license or activation. Use the link below to find out how to fix your system.
Error 0xC004D401
Description:
the security processor reported a system mismatch error.

Learn more online"

I tried to find out more solutions to this in the forum and I was led to a post by a user who encoutered the same problem:

 here's the thread: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=78501.0

I followed the last instruction of the thread and uninstalled and reinstalled avast, did a system scan which checked out fine but 2 days later the annoying message pops up again!  Does anyone have any solutions to get rid of this?

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: DBone on June 20, 2011, 06:51:36 AM

Sounds like a WAT (Windows Activation Technologies) notice? Is your version of Windows 7 legitimate?

Some info:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971033

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 07:18:12 AM

I'm using Vista and it's legit.

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: DBone on June 20, 2011, 07:53:43 AM

I have no ideas then ???

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 08:08:20 AM

Quote from: DBone on June 20, 2011, 07:53:43 AM

I have no ideas then ???

Thanks though.  :)  It's driving me crazy.

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: -Genesis- on June 20, 2011, 08:41:40 AM

I think your system is Vista SP1?

If you update Vista SP1 to SP2 will fix this.

Or you can wait for next program update.

Here is the link.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=80165.0

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 12:22:13 PM

Hey thanks for the suggestion!  I just found a page that deals with this which told me to run Rkill... install malwarebytes, etc.  I just finished scanning and no threats were found.  I will observe first then report if that worked!

If that doesn't work, it's on to upgrading Vista.  Thanks!

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: CraigB on June 20, 2011, 12:27:15 PM

Your first port of call should be to update vista to SP2 anyway for better compatibility and security.

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 01:13:56 PM

Okay, I just clicked on the windows update thingy and turns out i haven't even upgraded to SP1 hahaha.  So, forgive the noob questions but I'm really not a techie.  Will I automatically be prompted to upgrade to SP2 once this is done?  Or will I have to scour the net for it?

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Asyn on June 20, 2011, 01:26:39 PM

Quote from: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 01:13:56 PM

Will I automatically be prompted to upgrade to SP2 once this is done?  Or will I have to scour the net for it?

Windows update should provide all relevant security updates.
No need to search the web. ;)

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 02:52:16 PM

Woohoo! Thanks!  The SP1 update is taking forever though.  Looks like I'll be at this all night.  :P

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Asyn on June 21, 2011, 09:20:30 AM

Quote from: Joanie675 on June 20, 2011, 02:52:16 PM

Woohoo! Thanks!  The SP1 update is taking forever though.  Looks like I'll be at this all night.  :P

You're welcome..!
And yes, this will take a while... ;)

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Joanie675 on June 21, 2011, 11:40:02 AM

All done!  ;D  It's looking good so far.  Haven't had a weird pop up yet. =)  Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Title: Re: Windows Software Protection Error
Post by: Asyn on June 21, 2011, 12:06:08 PM

Quote from: Joanie675 on June 21, 2011, 11:40:02 AM

All done!  ;D  It's looking good so far.  Haven't had a weird pop up yet. =)  Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Good to know.
Thanks for the feedback.