Lenovo users running Windows XP may be familiar with cssauthe.exe error. This process is associated with ThinkVantage Client Security Solution (CSS). The primary function of CSS is to protect users’ information.

An important process, cssauthe.exe error is common. The good news is that the error can be easily resolved. Below is the error message that flashes on the screen in the event of a cssauthe.exe error:

“The instance of cssauth.exe cannot start because of an initialization error.”

Why this error occurs is a not fully understood but troubleshooting the error is fairly simple. We have set out two ways of solving the cssauthe.exe error. We recommend you try these methods in the order they appear below.

Activate TPM (also known as trusted platform module)

• Close all open programs (remember to save any unsaved data)
• Restart your Windows computer
• Press F2 as Windows restarts to access the BIOS or CMOS Setup
• Select Security>TPM Security
• Enable TPM
• Next, press ESC
• Choose Save/Exit
• Press the F2 key again when Windows reboots
• Again select Security>TPM Activation
• Activate TPM
• Press Esc

The error should not appear after Windows reloads. If it does, try the next method.

Update your ATMEL Drivers

Updating ATMEL drivers has reported to resolve this error effectively. You can find the latest ATMEL drivers on Lenovo’s official website. While locating and downloading the latest ATMEL drivers is feasible, the whole process can prove time-consuming.

Here’s a brief description of different steps involved in manually downloading drivers from Lenovo website.

• Open your web browser and go to Lenovo’s official website
• Click Support (you will find it on the top right hand corner)
• Click Driver & Software
• If you use a desktop, click Desktop & All-in-ones. Laptop users need to click Laptop & Tablets
• Select your series, subseries, machine type, model, and operating system in the next screen
• Click Submit
• In the next screen, select the appropriate option in the two drop-down menus, Category and Operating System
• Finally, locate the relevant driver and download it. Save the downloaded file on your desktop and run it to complete installation.

If you don’t want to go through this lengthy process, simply download and install a compatible and advanced driver update tool. Such tools can install all outdated drivers, including old ATMEL drivers in minutes.