anyone know how to deal with this error i cannot start windows xp---all legit   and worked fine last week ---compaq r3000 ----thanks john gboot to safe mode hold down the F8 on boot.....then USE the  chdsk cmd......in the run box or at the cmd prompt>>http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspxIs this the full error message you are getting?

A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer - 0x80040017


Keep us posted.this did the trick----i do not know what caused it though---but i just want to say  thanks  ---i really appreciate the help-----john gsometimes when all o/s load it CANT trip itself up and corupts the driver files etc......best to hibernate it saves the hard drive etc........MERLIN 2 "boot to safe mode hold down the f8 on boot.....then use the  chdsk cmd......in the run box or at the cmd prompt>>http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspx"

The thread is old but the problem still pops up from time to time as it did with us this morning. Thanks for the key - all sorted after a small AMOUNT of phaffing about.
cheers