Windows 7 Enterprise gray desktop after installation

[kr0wnage]

Hi,

I hope someone has seen this issue before. When I install Windows 7 Enterprise on a laptop, occasionally this happens, the desktop is a generic gray desktop and lacks the standard three symbols on the taskbard; IE, Media Player, and Libraries icons (IE needs to be manually set on Taskbar). Computers that end up with this weird installation have issues with some software such as Lotus Notes and just end up being quirky. I use the same installation disc that I always use, usually there are no issues and Windows 7 installs normally. We are trying to find out what is causing this weird install and if anyone knows a way to correct it if it happens. Yes we do know that you can change the Theme to resemble the normal desktop, but these computers still end up having quirky issues.

Attached is a screenshot.

thanks

 

[Bongo]

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Do the computers meet the aero requiremenys?

   Note

You will not have the Transparency option if you have a Basic and High Contrast Theme instead of a Aero Theme.

Aero Requirements to be Enabled in Windows 7
NOTE: If Aero is not enabled, then Transparency will not work even when enabled.

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• A graphics card with support for DirectX 9 graphics with at least 128 MB of memory.
• The graphics card must support Pixel Shader 2.0 and the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).
• You must be have True Color (32 bit) set instead of High Color (16 bit).
• Be sure to have the correct Windows 7 driver version installed for your graphics card/chip.
• The desktop composition and Animate controls and elements inside windows options enabled in Visual Effects.
• Refresh or update your WEI score.
• The Desktop Window Manager Session Manager and Themes Services need to be set to Start and Automatic.

Jerry

 

[kr0wnage]

They do meet the Aero requirements. I could take and re-install Windows 7 and it would most likely work. The problem is, it can be time consuming to just re-install when this happens.

 

[Bongo]

Does this happen right from the beginning of a install with no Aero? Or does it start out with Aero and then it turns gray?
Have you tried reinstalling on one of the troubled computers to see if that corrects it or not?
I am just trying to understand this is why I am asking.
Jerry

 

[kr0wnage]

It starts out right from the first login.

 

[Trevers1987]

If I'm correct in saying this is a fresh install.
I have just one question have you reinstalled your display drivers?
If not it would be worth ago, you can do this one of two ways go to your computer manufacturer web site and download the latest driver for your particular model,
or you can have windows updates check for recommended software/driver. Display drivers are normally optional updates so if you system as installed all critical update already it is worth looking at the optional one's.


Best of luck Dan

 

[Trevers1987]

Also have you tryed the Windows Aero trouble shooter image below
Just type Aero into the search area.