Missing Microsoft Splash screen during startup?

[m32]

I recently reformatted a Dell 2400 PC and reinstalled the OS. Prior to this the PC was (missing the Dell and Microsoft splash screen at startup). However, I attributed this to some form of virus since the person had all sorts of crap like "Hotbar" and "Webshots" installed. But once the reformatting and reinstallation was complete, I downloaded all current Security/Update patches from MS website. The PC for 2 days did not exhibit any behavior (missing the Dell and Microsoft splash screen at startup). Note: the reformatting and reinstallation took place at my home lab and then the PC went back to the Office from which it came. After a day there (the Office) it began to exhibit the behavior of (missing the Dell and Microsoft splash screen at startup). The only thing that was different was that the Secretary mentioned she installed QuickBooks. To this point, I’m positive that she did not reinstall “Hotbar” or “Webshots”.
Any ideas on this one? I have not found any kind of help via MS website or on the Internet.

 

[linney]

If it was just the Dell splash screen that was missing I would suggest a check in the Bios options to see if it had been turned off. Not sure if that would effect the Microsoft splash screen. Might be an idea to check the option for splash screen (if any) in the Bios.

 

[m32]

linney,

Thanks for the tip. I'll check out the BIOS. However, what cause the BIOS to change. I booted-up/down the machine at my lab more than dozen times and not once was the Dell and Microsoft splash screen missing at startup?
What are your thoughts?

 

[linney]

I'm not 100% sure it is the bios that is the problem, it's just that I remember reading something, somewhere, about manufacturer's Splash Screens being controlled from within the bios, and thought I'd pass that on just in case it had some bearing on your problem.

The most common cause for settings in the bios changing would be human intervention.