KEY NOT VALID FOR USE IN SPECIFIED STATE

Question

I am trying to install Comodo and GeekBuddy on my laptop I initially got a blue screen with DPC-WATCHDOG-VIOLATION and my laptop freezing.  After de-installing I am now getting KEY NOT VALID FOR USE IN SPECIFIED STATE even for Malware antibytes or any other program.  Does anyone know how to get around this, Microsoft support wanted $99 which I cannot afford since I am living on my Social Security.  If anyone can answer this please email me at <Removed PII>

Tks

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in the Microsoft Community forum.

Let me try and help you with this issue.

It is possible that some system files are misplaced or corrupted.

I would suggest you to follow these methods and check if it helps.

**Method 1:**This is the fix that has helped many customers fix similar issue.

For "Key not valid for use in specified state" errors try moving the folder RSA from C:\Users&lt;User>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA to say C:\RSA (just in case there should be a need to restore it) then try installing again. This folder appears to act as a cache and should be rebuilt automatically as required.

**Method 2:**If that does not help, run the System File Checker(SFC) scan and then try downloading the programs.

SFC scan replaces the corrupted system files with the original version of Windows files on the computer.

Use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows on Windows 8http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

Let us know if it helps. If you have further queries, we will be happy to help.

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.

Are you on a corporate network or a private network>

First, run the Microsoft Fixit and check if it helps.

Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/program_install_and_uninstall/?wa=wsignin1.0

Also, through my research, I found that we can test the issue by temporarily removing the recent update installed KB2918614.

Temporarily remove this update, restart your PC and then try to install the programs.

After installing the programs, install the same security update.

To uninstall the update, follow these steps:

a. Press Windows key +X key together and choose **Programs and Features.**b. On the left click on View Installed Updates.

c. Scroll down to Microsoft Windows and look for KB2918614.

d. Click on the update and uninstall it.

Let us know the result.

Answer 3

Thanks for the comeback Pattiwagen.

However I have tried both suggestions 1 & 2 to no avail.  I have scanned with various malware programs, run windows repair programs and still get the same results.  I am at a loss and am frustrated with this.

Answer 4

Hi,

Sorry to know that you are still facing issues installing programs.

Let us try some additional troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Method 1:

Delete temporary files:

a. Press Windows key + R to open Run window.

b. Type in %temp% and delete all the contents from the Temp file.

Now, restart the PC and check if you are able to install the programs.

**Method 2:**If that does not help, place the computer in a Clean Boot state and then try installing the programs.

To help troubleshoot issues, you can start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows 8.1

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Please note: Follow this section ‘How to reset the computer to start as usual after clean boot troubleshooting’

Let us know if it helps.****

Answer 5

Hi Patti,

You are welcome and I am glad it helped. Feel free to post if you have more queries with Windows in the future.