XP Error Code : 0×80090006

Suddenly this error appeared: “A problem is preventing Window from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error Code : 0×80090006″.

I have no idea why.

According to others what you can do one the followin:

• Log into safe mode and re-register a couple of dlls:
  regsvr32 regwizc.dll
  regsvr32 licdll.dll
• Fix C drive association by using regedit32:
  See KB914232
• Reinstall or repair.

For only the third worked.

You can backup files by using Safe mode.

Remember,  backup your data often.

Later edit:

You should verify your XP license or for viruses/rootkits or, more general, malware.
You can see here how much increased the number of searches for 0×80090006 in February: Link to google insight.

MCTS (Exam 70-620) Certification – Done

What should be next?

Firefox, you lost

Sadly but I don’t have a computer at home, occasionally, I read news or I write posts like this on an old Tecra A3: 512MB RAM, super slow HDD, intel 915GM video card and extra large resolution 1400×1050.
I’ve been using Firefox for ages, but after I read a post about using IE8 instead of Firefox 3.5.x+AdBlock Plus I was curious about the results.

I went home and I have installed IE8.
And, it’s true.
IE8 on old computers is faster than firefox.
I have enough free memory for my tabs, no more than ten.

On the computer at work I have about 60 tabs open, anytime, I didn’t felt like I have a problem, slow computer, not enough memory.
But, on this one, old one, IE8 is faster.

So, Firefox you lost this battle on old computers.
Sorry. Moved to IE8.

And another thing, there are no adblock features comming with IE8, but you can install a local proxy to filter your web traffic like I did, BFilter.

Adobe Reader 9 – make it incredible faster

I don’t own a new computer so I have to use an old tecra A3 with an old HDD but a very good screen 15″ with a huge resolution: 1400×1050.

Because the hard drive is so slow Adobe Reader 9 starts in several seconds after I double click the pdf file.
So, if you have to read docs this a little bit annoying to have to wait a lot just to start Adobe.
After Reader is loaded the pdf file is loaded quite faster…

So I have googled a bit and I have found a few software apps to speed up adobe reader at start up.
But. Why to install another piece of software when you can do it yourself?!?

Here is how if you only want to read docs, no search, no other stuff:

Go to C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\ and create a directory “old” or “backup”.
Move the following directories in it: plug_ins, plug_ins3d and SPPlugins.

Start Adobe Reader. How is it? Mine it starts in lass than a second.

Here is how if you want to read docs and you want “Comment and markup” toolbar to be available:
Move all plugin dirs as you read before, but, keep in the plug_ins dir the following files:
AcroForm.api
AcroSign.prc
Annots.api
EScript.api
IA32.api
Search.api
Search5.api
weblink.api

Start Adobe Reader, read you books, educate yourself.

HTH and enjoy.

Keep your Windows secure and up-to-date

I use three tools to keep my windows patched/updated:
- apup[1], faster than windows update;
- sumo[2], to have latest versions of your installed programs;
- secunia PSI[3], personal security inspector, to know if your programs are exosed to risk(s).

Your default installation should include an Antivirus, antispyware and a sandbox (sandboxie[4]) to play with untrusted applications.

Links:
[1] – http://www.autopatcher.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89
[2] – http://www.kcsoftwares.com/?sumo
[3] – http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
[4] – http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie

Have fun!