it will start up (in fact, even when turned off, its turning it self on at random but not "booting up") but doesnt actually get to the point where it shows you the windows opening or anything like that... not even the start up numbers BEFORE it gets to the windows start up, you know?

any ideas?

What do you mean by "will start up" and "not booting up", just so we are on the same page? Do you hear any beep at any stage?

This can be potentially rather tricky to diagnose... Have any changes at all been made recently to the system?

First thing to check in such situations, though: power supply.

This was happening to me the other day after I moved my computer from one room to another. I opened it up and the metal cooling part over the processor (this little metal square that I think is what the fans in the computer are aiming at cooling) was loose. I now have my computer laying on it's side so there is more pressure on it (the silver metal cooler) and it can stay cool. Sounds crazy but at least it's working now! I don't know if this info will help, but ya never know!

Dh said try the power supply first. If you have a good computer store, they will dx them for free. I'd call around and ask first though, cause sometimes they aren't honest. We know this from experience with our cursed computer. hth! He also said it could a switch inside, or something else.

I don't understand a great deal of computer "stuff" but dh used to have the job of being a Computer Necromancer so . . .

good luck!