This is true! I actually had a similar failure to load on a regular desktop where the start button and bottom tray didn't appear on a win 7 machine. One of the steps I used to identify the problem worked for me with that, and I was able to get that box back up in no time, so I guess I am a little better off. I am still a little Leary of the Surface, but with the forever battery life, the screen, it's pen, and the weight and speed, I just can't part with it. It is the perfect platform for my use case.