strange screen

I have Windows XP on my computer. When I turn on my computer or restart my computer the desktop shows up and within the next ten seconds a screen shows up stating "Open File - The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?" I haven't the slightest idea what this screen means but it is annoying to me. I have to click "cancel" to get rid of the screen. How can I stop this screen from showing up? Thank you very much.

 

It sounds like you have some software set to run when you boot up windows. Also sounds like LiveSymantec i believe it is called.. i think it comes w/ Norton Antivirus. I was having this problem in vista when Norton was pre-installed. Try going to start, run, msconfig, startup tab, and seeing what you have set to boot up then try putting that in the exclude section of Norton.

Edit - you could uninstall norton and liveupdates and use a seperate virus scan like mcafee or a free one like f-secure or Avast

 

Hi 427'
To further expand a bit on CxFusion3mp explanation and good suggestion.....

Windows XP enhances the security of your computer by asking or giving this warning before opening or running programs or files that could potentially harm your computer by running or installing malicious programs. Specifically, Windows checks that those programs have a digital signature attached.

Digital signatures verify the authenticity of software and contain information about the publisher of the software. If a digital signature is not found on a piece of software, the warning you got will appear. This does not mean it is bad only that the certificate is missing or does not meet the security requirements. It is up to you to decide if this file is safe to run.

Did you download and try to install something recently? Have you allowed some program to auto update, windows update would be an example, adobe, java, device updates, etc. would be other examples. Usually the name of the file that is trying to open and run will be displayed in the warning dialogue box. Is there a file name? If unsure you can post it here or use google.com to search for the file name and see what information can be found on the file.

If this error occurs while using windows update and is given on all updates your problem may be more involved than an older program blooper. Corrupted files may be considered but that is all that is needed to be said until it can clearly be verified what program or file is throwing this fit.

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As a side note...I have noticed that you have a habit of not updating your posts with the final outcome or progress, good or bad, on any suggestions you have been given on past posts. Please, please remember to do so in the future. The posts are stored in archives for all members to search for same or similar problem and solutions that work. Also, members, who offered suggestions, are often waiting to see if the suggested fix helped. Your kind sharing of the problem from start to finish and the posted fix that worked for you will help to save a future member suffering from the same problem and will be much appreciated.

=====Just for further reference, if interested:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Open...want+to+run+this+software&hl=en&start=10&sa=N