"Error Code: 0x80070002" error message cites license-checking issue after upgrade on Dell computer (310794)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
This article was previously published under Q310794
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Windows XP, you may receive the following error message:
A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error code: 0x80070002.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if one of the following conditions is true:
  • The default security provider in Windows XP has been changed.
  • The system drive letter has changed.
The security provider issue has been reported with Dell computers on which the Dell Assistant software is installed.

NOTE This issue can be caused by any software that changes the default security provider. It is not limited to Dell computers or to the Dell Assistant software.

WORKAROUND

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To work around this issue, use the appropriate method.

Reset the default security provider in Windows XP

To reset the default security provider in Windows XP, delete the relevant registry keys in the Windows registry. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Start the computer. Press the F8 key during startup to start the computer in Safe mode.
  2. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  3. Delete the following registry keys in the Windows registry:

    HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers

    HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Providers

  4. Quit Registry Editor.
  5. Restart the computer.

Reset the drive letter of the system drive

Use Registry Editor to change the drive letter of the system drive back to its original value. Edit the following registry key to change the value of the system drive:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\MountedDevices

For additional information and steps detailing the exact procedure to rename the system drive letter, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

223188 How To Restore the System/Boot Drive Letter in Windows

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/12/2005
Keywords:kbRegistry kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg kbnofix kbprb KB310794
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