Computer goes into standby mode (sleep mode) right after Windows logo animation ends.

What can you do if your computer goes into standby mode right before it reaches desktop while starting up? Do you check the hardware for issues? Do you run error correction on the hard drive? Do you re-install Windows?

This occurrence happens 3 times out of five, so eventually the computer does reach desktop and works fine from then on until the next restart or shutdown, which made troubleshooting more difficult. Disabling standby mode in bios or windows still generates errors doesn't let you start-up properly. I went as far as to reformat and re install Windows, it started fine a few times right after completing installation - but then went back to this routine of going to sleep right after windows logo animation ends.

The solution was quite simple! A STUCK deeply sunken "Sleep" key on the keyboard! I HAD to take pictures.

As you can see - the lighting is dim in the room so it doesn't really catch your eye right away. It's also quite a rare key on the regular keyboards.