Boot Windows 7 problems

I am no expert but have a little understanding of windows products and computers generally. I am trying to help a friend to overcome a boot problem on her laptop which runs windows 7. Like most laptops nowadays the software was preloaded and I can't find a product key on the base of the computer on the authenticity label. When the computer is switched on it will run as if it loads windows but stops before and icons show on the desktop althought the familiar windows 7 desktop background does show.

Now the owner of the laptop knows virtually nothing about computers and her children use it for homework and looking up things on the web. I dont think, from what she tells me they have up to date anti-virus software so I suspect the machine is riddled with viruses.

I have created a system repair disk from my own machine and gone through the usual tasks of restoring the windows files. I have got to the point where it willoffer me the option of boot windows normally or in safe mode. I have chosen safe mode and all I get are the safe mode texts in each corner of the screen but no desktop appears.

Can anyone please suggest what else I might try?

Sorry I didn't see this post sooner...

A desktop is just a canvas, it may simply be a black background. You said you do see the icons. Are you saying you can't go to any of the corners and locate a Start Orb?

What happens if you boot normally? Why do you assume it has a virus? Boot normally then try right-clicking and choose personalize - choose another theme.

If you can get to a point where you can run a program, you can install the product SIW and it can tell you the product key. A link to this is available in our Freeware DB.

Side Note: If the windows is not authentic the system will set the background to black by default and you should see a not genuine message in the lower right. I don't think this is the posters situation but I mention it for others who may find this during a search.

Yes thanks for your response but in the meantime I have had so many problems with it I have passed the machine onto some professional techies. Actually so far they have drawn a blank as well but we will see. It is something I have not come across before and given that the people who own the machine have not kept the anti-virus up to date leaves me with the view that it probably is a virus. After I eventually managed to get into the machine I did download updates. It would not however let me download anti-virus software and then once I tried to reboot after a windows update it failed to boot again. After several attempts, including the repair utilities, I couldn't even get into safemode. Anyway again thanks for the input.

It's quite possible that it is some form of malware/virus. Hopefully the techies can get it all worked out for her.