"Parser Returned Error 0x80004005" when trying to run Acctivate or update Acctivate

Navigate to the file path that is provided in the error message, then delete 'machine.config'. Copy 'machine.config.default' to the desktop, then rename the file to 'machine.config'. Place this file back in the file path, then run Acctivate.

A user may be attempting to run Acctivate/ update Acctivate on a remote instance/ virtual machine instance when encountering the following error:

Error parsing C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\config\machine.config
Parser returned error 0x80004005.

This may prevent Acctivate from being installed or updated. The error message is referring to a corrupt file, 'machine.config'. Follow the steps below in order to properly address this error:

1.) Paste the file path that is provided in the error message into the File Explorer bar.

2.) Delete the file 'machine.config', then drag the 'machine.config.default' file to the desktop.

3.) Rename the 'machine.config.default' file to 'machine.config'.

4.) Copy the file from the desktop, then paste the file into the previous file path.

5.) If prompted for adminstrator privileges, click continue.

6.) Restart your computer, then try to run/ update Acctivate.