Windows validation software (Be it Windows XP to Windows 7) has deemed that the Validation Key (VLK) that was used to install your operating system was not legally obtained. If you think this is in error, you can use the
Windows Genuine Validation site to check this. Just click on the Validate Windows button and follow the instructions.
Because the validation software has currently decided that your VLK is invalid, it has disabled many desktop features to make itself more evident. This is why the screen is black, no icons, update doesn't work etc etc.
If the the Windows Validation site determines that the VLK is indeed invalid then you have two options to re-validate Windows. One is legal, the other is
NOT.The easiest and legal method implies purchasing a valid windows license key. Simply follow the instructions from
this page.The harder, potentially frustrating, not recommended and certainly illegal method is detailed at these pages.
XPVista
Windows 7
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