Windows Vista System File Mismatch Error

I turned on my computer, and I got an error message saying that Windows encountered a 'system file mismatch error' saying something like it couldn't validate I have a legit install. Sounds kinda sketchy to me; I've had this computer for two years, and it was given to me by a friend who'd had it for a year or two before that. I'm running a scan with Avast... what could cause this though, if it isn't a virus?

A Google search revealed little, also... apparently this isn't a common thing.

Have you installed any old programs recently? I've heard that some programs incompatible with Vista can alter the code in memory, meaning that while the file causing the problem on the hard drive is fine, the file is modified when it's running, meaning it's read as a mismatch.

I've not installed anything in quite some time, actually.

It's not this is it (fast forward to about 4:30) ?

Huh. My error pops up a little error box, instead of a full screen. It sends me to a Microsoft page that has a button that I'm 'supposed' to click to download an .exe file which will supposedly run a validation script.

The whole thing sounds fishy to me.

Edit: Also, the title of the page's tab is 'genuine microsoft software.'

i don't want to be an ass but vista is crap no? windows 7-up

re install

  On 6/26/2011 at 3:39 AM, Sprigg said:

Huh. My error pops up a little error box, instead of a full screen. It sends me to a Microsoft page that has a button that I'm 'supposed' to click to download an .exe file which will supposedly run a validation script.

 

The whole thing sounds fishy to me.

 

Edit: Also, the title of the page's tab is 'genuine microsoft software.'

Yeah the whole thing sounds as dodgy as fuck - I'd run a combination of MBAM and SuperAntiSpyware

Only problem with MalwareBytes is I'm flat broke at the moment no income due to job loss. But I'll definitely be running superantispyware

MBAM is free man (the $24.95 is for an optional (and not needed in this case) resident shield upgrade to the download). I wouldn't recommend it if it required any kind of monetary investment....

Oh, okay. Right on. Thanks for the help, i'll get back when/if I find anything

I always read this guy's blog as inspiration for virus hunting: http://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/

Superantispyware and Malwarebytes seem to have taken care of it. Why didn't Avast or Spybot catch it?

If you notice any other suspicious activity, backup your files and reformat to be safe.

I just got this same damn thing and i don't like it. WTF internet.

MBAM

"Not enough quota is avaliable to process this command".

Increase your virtual memory for a bit ( http://www.delete-computer-history.com/increase-virtual-memory.html )

Control Panel failed. This is shitty.

Sounds proper fucked, maybe try running mbam in safe mode

Managed to figure it out, thanks!

I ran superantispyware and Avast, it cleared it right up with no data loss

Gotta start backing my shit up more regularly though.

  On 6/28/2011 at 8:39 AM, Jonas said:

yeah, and stay of the dodgy porno sites.

let's be honest; that'll never happen. use firefox with adblock plus and noscript. back up regularly. virus scan weekly.