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

Hi,

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

Answer 4

I have attempted to use the following string to correct the problem of "key not valid for use in specified state"  -  C:\Users&lt;User>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA

I was able to go through my user signin but it appears my Windows program does not have a file labeled AppData.  I have done a computer search for both Crypto and RSA without a response. 

I am running Windows Vista on my computer and have used Fix it Center several times and it does not appear that Vista is working improperly.

Do you have any suggestions as to how to correct the files missing or the basic problem of the "key not being vaild."?

Answer 5

Hi,

If you are using Windows Vista, kindly, post your query in the Vista section.

The AppData folder is hidden, you need to show hidden files and folders.

a. Press Windows key + R, type Control Panel.

b. When the Control Panel opens, scroll to the very bottom and select the More Settings option. This will open the traditional Windows Control Panel.

c. Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.

d. Now click on the Show hidden files and folders option under the Folder Options category.

e. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

f. Click on Apply and OK.

Hope this helps.