WTF? WinHelp! XP (home) Too Damn Picky Accepting Files & Apps

[Nick]

After a fatal, non-recoverable crash of my previous laptop, I was forced to buy a new pc pre-loaded with WinXP (Home version). Now, I am forced to use the XP OS.

Already, two problems concerning installing drivers and apps, probably related.

1. Installing drivers from disk for my 3-year old printer failed because XP said the files weren't 'certified' by MS or some other BS like that. I was able to get around that by downloading updated drivers from the mfr's web site.

2. Now this. I just downloaded Grisoft's free AVG anti-virus software, but XP won't execute the .exe install file. The error msg says "name.exe file is not a valid Win32 application". 3-4 months ago I downloaded and installed this same app to my other pc running Win98se with no problems whatsoever.

WTF is this? I can (possibly) understand XP not accepting older, thus "uncertifed" printer drivers, but certainly Grisoft has had their free anti-virus program "certified" by MS. I know Bill wants to protect us from ourselves, but this is just too damn much!

How can I circumvent or disable this "Big Brother" feature of XP? Any help will be appreciated.

Just sign me...

"Another Reason To Hate MS"

Nick

[Giljorak]

Have you tried redownloading the software. Sounds to me like your download was corrupted. The error you mention is not from XP's certifcation check. The certification check is only invoked when you install a driver, not regular applications.

Hope this helps,
Tim

[Geronimo]

I run Grisoft with the same OS with no problem. I too think you may have a corrupted file. If not PM me or write.

[invaliduser88]

Under System Properties (Right click on my computer on disk top or under start bar), Click the hardware tab and then click the Driver Signing button. If the setting is to block unsigned driver's, change to Warn. I don't recommend Ignore. Also, it's always best to get the latest driver for the HW.

As for the Grisoft, are you sure you got a good download of the installer? If it's complaining about it not being a valid exe, there probably is a good reason.

[Nick]

After 6 tries over 3 days, I finally got a dl that sticks to the wall. Thanks for the tips and ideas. Learn something new every day.

Nick :grin: