Change to license, Vista won't validate

[macguru]

When this system boots up, I get a dialog stating that "An unauthorized change was made to your license." The only options I have are to Validate Online or Close (close returns me to the login screen) I attempt to Validate online, and am told there was either an unauthorized change or a software program on the computer is not currently compatible with Vista.

What I've done so far:

I've read through and done the recommendations listed (Restarting the Software Licensing service and running Disk Cleanup)

Read through and done what was suggested by Microsoft at: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931699

Uninstalled PC Spyware Doctor and a few other non-essential utilities

ran Malwarebytes and Spybot while booted in Safe Mode (found and fixed errors, malware, etc..)

Somewhere along the line, I noticed "Rootkit: TDSS" but all the instructions for removing it that I have found depend on booting into normal mode. At this time I can boot into all modes of SAFE MODE, but unable to get to desktop in a normal boot.

I really need someone to help me through this issue please.

[marktreg]

Hello macguru, and welcome to Malwarebytes.org

It sounds like you've got a nasty infection there. The experts here will guide you through fixing it.

But we don't work on Malware removal in the general forums.

So please print out, read and follow the directions here, skipping any steps you are unable to complete. Then post a NEW topic here.

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