Been working on same problem all nite, all day, all nite, installed new hdd with different new OS, XP PRO SP2, installed game from my CD with confirmed good key and no better still same crap. Look like must be PB having problem with maybe our internet, I have Quest DSL with 2wire (brand), model HG2701-D modem/router in one. Now have few more problems, but even gives the same error on version 1.6 "restiction, disallowed program/driver (90042)" Please let us know, I too finally got a reply from ticket asking what else is running, to do scan and send to them, now waiting again.
edit: forgot to mention, I too run AVG for anti virus with XP pro on all of them. even though One PC still has old AVG 7.5 version all 4* of them are getting the "90042" code, that are on my modem. I was thinking next step is try a different COD4 CD & key, or take one to another location to try a different ISP.
* my son's have the same error