After performing a windows repair install it may ask you to activate windows prior to logging into windows. The problem arises when you click yes and it tries to take you to the desktop but will only show the desktop background or a standard windows light blue background. The issue here is that IE becomes corrupted and IE is the key component in windows activation. If there is no functioning IE windows will not activate. Here is how to fix this issue.
1. Make sure you have a copy of internet explorer 7 and 8 on a thumb drive. Sometimes it will not accept IE 8 and you need to use 7.
2. Boot into safe mode w/ command prompt.
3. Type “explorer”.
4. Install IE 8 (or 7) off of a thumb drive.
5. Reboot and activate.
