[Firestormalpha]

To revisit an issue I encountered a couple years ago. My dad's XP laptop (the averatec) has some issues.

Mainly, if I attempt certain tasks/actions I get an error message, and then explorer shuts down, leaving me with a nice view of the desktop image and nothing to interact with except the power button.

The error reads:
"Validation failed for C:\WINDOWS\system32\VSINIT.dll. You probably are missing a necessary root certificate."

A topic on microsofts support site says to run the Sfc scan, and it should fix the issue or ask for install media to fix the issue. I did as recommended and it did neither. Does anyone have any ideas how to solve this issue?

Most other sites are trying to push "scan now, pay before we fix software". I've looked them all up, they're reputed to be 'safe', but ineffective.

Could the answer be as simple as downloading and running a registry cleaner?

So far my best idea is to re-install XP and track down the drivers I'll need. Hopefully the Trigem site I linked to has what I need, as it appears to.

Alternately, I've considered attempting to download the driver install files one at a time and see if that works out the issue.

If I can't find my old install disc, or fix the laptop some other way, I may just send the unit off to an e-cycling location. At any rate, it'll be of severely limited use to me at that point.