25 secs on the Welcome/User Account screen during startup

highstream

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Stuck 25 seconds on the Welcome/User Account screen

After updating the BIOS to UEFI on my Gigabyte Z68 motherboard tonight, Windows 8x64 (dual boot) is bringing up and stopping at the Welcome/User Account screen for about 25 seconds before moving on. After the four square and choosing the OS, it goes just for an instant to the screen with the green hillside, sun and tall tower before switching to the Welcome screen. It never did that before as I recall, and so I'm wondering if something is wrong. UEFI startups are supposed to be faster, but this is actually a few seconds slower overall.

Some background, as it might be relevant. Before the successful BIOS update, I had updated the motherboard's utilities and drivers. After the BIOS update, I reset its defaults and Windows 8 booted quickly to the desktop a couple of times. Then, based on the previous setup, I made a couple of adjustments to the BIOS settings (ACHI and something small - the OS is on an SSD). After that, Windows wouldn't completely boot. It indicated that there were problems and then headed into repair, the end of which was an offer to restore. After that, I decided to reestablish the BIOS defaults and the next time Win 8 restore - from where I don't know. The result was that it booted to the desktop, but now with a long detour through the Welcome screen. Afterwards, I also got a UAC notice that the OS needed activation - seemingly not the same copy - which I took care of on the phone.

Any thoughts about this Welcome screen, what's causing it and if something else needs doing? Thanks,
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    i5 4690K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK3 (rev. 1.2) UEFI Bios
    Memory
    16 GB (4x4)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Ultimate HD7750
    Sound Card
    JCAT USB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2412M
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256 GB SSD
    Seagate 3TB, 2TB & 1TB HDDs
    PSU
    Seasonic x650 PSU
    Case
    Cooler Master Elite 335
    Cooling
    Prolimatech Megahalems Rev. C cooler, 3 Nexus Silent Fans
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M
    Mouse
    Bornd Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60+ mbps claimed
    Antivirus
    Comodo CIS, MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    PS Audio Directstream dac, Quad 12L powered speakers, Core Audio Tech Kora LPS, JCAT USB card, Uptone Regen USB
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