I've now experienced several Dell computers (different models) that takes forever from you hit the power button until they produce the characteristic BIOS beep and the Windows boot commences!? The windows boot itself seems to proceed at normal speed and everything works fine, without conflicts and stuff!
My first thought was that the machine(s) BIOS might be looking for some hardware or that communications with some component is faulty, but it even happens to very new machines, and I can't find any faults! In one case it seemed to be after installation of a Compaq wireless network, but in most cases I can't see any reason whatsoever!??

...Does anybody have a clue to what this might be caused by and how to solve it? I'd appreciate any thoughts/advice on the matter!