CPUGEEK,
Hello, I'm not sure if this link will help you, I've listed down the steps that are involved when a computer starts up. Maybe it will be useful to you when troubleshooting. Check it out at:
http://www.build-your-own-computers....er-starts.html
A computer needs to do a POST, check hardware, load the splash screen before it even enters Windows. If you understand those steps, its easier to do troubleshooting.