I turned on my computer yesterday and upon boot-up my system asked for my windows registration key. I entered it and rebooted again. It processes until it gets to the desktop and an error message comes on. Explorer has created an error. Then it stops. It does detail the error message, but I don't know how to fix it. I am at work now, but at home I have only one computer. I would need someone to call me and help fix the problem. Otherwise I have to wait until tomorrow. I will try to contact microsoft today. HELP if you can! Laurie

Don't contact Microsoft. They will not help you with a Compaq system problem. You have to go to Compaq(HP). Try booting up is safe mode. Explorer errors will 'sometimes' fix themseleves. As a 'last' resort you can use your Compaq 'Restore' software.

I think this is a virus. Try restoring an older registry: Tap F8 just before windows boots, choose MSDOS Prompt. Key in: scanreg /restore and choose a backup before the problem occured (but not the oldest backup). Reboot. Let us know what happens. Best

I'm with jubalsams on this. Windows (even Comcraps) don't usually ask for the registration key. It's in the registry from the first day the O/S is loaded. This sounds like some form of malware trying to gather CD keys with a keylogger or some such. Get updates for, and run, your AV, spyware etc tools. An online "realtime" scan might be in order as well. Never hurts to have two opinions in scan results. It's a good day when you learn something

Thank you so much. I will attempt to try to repair this. It amazes me how y'all know this stuff. Unfortunately I don't always understand your language!! I did write down the whole message if any of you want to see it. Thanks, Laurie