"Noozer" <dont.spam@me.here> wrote in message
news:JkiBi.104337$rX4.39427@pd7urf2no...
>> This may be a long shot, but try cleaning up any startup
>> related software/OS drivers. Especially keyboard related,
>> and in your case anything that might be connected to,
>> wake on LAN, or such.
>
> How could ANY software/OS cause the PC to freeze during POST?
>

The OP was that it was "Inconsistent" and happening
"within 4 min. of cold power up" and "on ONE occasion
it locked up in the middle of entering the BIOS password".

But to answer -your- question; in the same way a boot
block virus works. There is more interaction possible
than you appear to be aware of. Also; remember that
"Press F6 to load" RAID software drivers during XP
install? , there are a number of startup functions after
POST. Failure of some of them would be occurring
during the 4 min mentioned.

Oh, and a limited keyboard check is part of POST.
If the firmware inside an enhanced keyboard were to
be damaged by some driver setting, it could cause a
malfunction, perhaps one that causes locks up during
startup.

And lastly, I suggest you research the definition of the
term "Long Shot".

Luck;
Ken