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

I have had issues with installing any new programs/applications on Windows 7 Pro for a "very long time". I knew with self search that the error I was getting "Key not valid for use in specified state" was due to some Windows Updates but could not narrow down to that particular one.

Now, finally after uninstalling the update KB2918614 I was able to install a new application.

MICROSOFT should be aware of these issues and SHOULD provide a fix ASAP.

There are so many end users out there facing issues with installing new apps/programs and think it is an issue with that program while the issue is infact with the Windows Updates.

Thank you Rajith!

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 4

THanks Rajith - uninstalling KB2918614  worked for me.

Answer 5

Method 1 worked for me.   Thanks for the help!