"Now it hangs on the First Gateway logo for 5 full minutes showing on that screen "Del:Enter Setup and F12:Boot menu""
Since the OS has yet to run I'd look at unplugging all USB things as a test. What is good for repair counters all over is this is something many users won't do because "it worked before." Let's see what you do next.
Bob
My 3 month old Gateway 4831-01e with Intel core I3 processor 530 and 6GB DDR3 and 1 TB HDD running Win7 Home Premium 64 was lightning fast until yesterday when the trial Norton ran out and I installed a new copy of Norton 360. Now it hangs on the First Gateway logo for 5 full minutes showing on that screen "Del:Enter Setup and F12:Boot menu"
When it finally moves off this screen to Starting Windows it takes 45 seconds to the glowing windows logo and 2 more minutes to the welcome
screen. after that it performs normally at it's original high speed.
I have deleted the Norton 360 and cleaned it out with the Norton file cleaner which was no help. Then tried booting with no Norton, also with a fresh Norton 360 (downloaded) and again using the Norton DVD. None made any difference with the 8 minute boot speed.
I then did a full virus scan with updated virus definitions. No help.
I have done a full memory test with no help.
I have Booted from my repair disk with no help.
I have stripped out the startup programs to the minimum- no help
I have used system restore to 3 different restore points but none of them actually worked- even with Norton Off.
I have run Glary Reg cleaner with no help.
I have used the Win 7 startup utility (cant remember what it's called)with no help.
Im thinking of using a chainsaw next unless someone can help with
another idea.
Thanks.

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