I'm running XP and I'd like to have a distinctive startup.
But I'm talking real demands. During the entire boot process intermittent attempts to start either a SB chevy or a flathead v8. Sucess would come when the screnn that allows you to pick your own user log-on is displayed. with a couple of mild 'raps'. As long as it is displayed, the sound idles with an intermittent blip of the throttle. and THEN when you pick your log on, and it starts loading, serious throttle 'blipping'. Once loaded, "Gone in a cloud of smoke, roaring engine, and squealing tires!!! (Smoke is going to be REAL tough) John C.

May not do entirely what you're looking for but you can change the wav file associated with various windows functions including windows start up and shut down.
Go to Control panel, open "Sounds and Audio Devices" click on the "Sounds" tab. There in the dialog box are all the sounds associated for each task, scroll down, you'll see windows exit before windows start up. There you can browse to other wav files to associate to the given task.
I don't think it will play multiple wav files, so you will have to make a wav file that has the gaps you need, to simulate the chain of events you want to audibly create.

Sounds like a fun project anyway,
hope this helps or gets you on the way

Just thought of this, try googling "Automotive Windows Themes" or something to that effect.
Who knows, there might be just what you're looking for ready to go.
When you look at the dialog box that lists what wav file is associated to a task, you can really have fun with this, say a wheel chirp whenever you minmize or maximize a window, or an over rev blown shift whenever an Alert/warning dialog box appears....

Oooohhh, yeah! now we're talking. I guess I'll be messin' with this for awhile! Esp telsetrepair's additional ideas!

I'll post when I've got something. BUT, be patient, these new fangled typewriters are still quite a challenge! John C.

The windows startup sound won't be played until after logging on, so even by piecing the sound together with gaps, it won't achieve the effect you're looking for. I don't think I've seen any third-party software to trigger sounds earlier than that, though I haven't looked. I'm thinking adding some sort of application in the Services list, would do the trick - services start up before logon, and an application might have some means to detect the progress of startup....

Here are a few you might like, if you're into reg edit/resource stuff. They're from my favorite geek-goddess Sarah Lane.

Hack your "start button" -> https://digg.com/u1cQs

Hack your boot screen -> https://digg.com/d11hNi

"BUT, be patient, these new fangled typewriters are still quite a challenge!"

And I'm going to mess around with "hacking" my boot screen and start button? I've got a feeling I'm SO going to regret this. I was SSSOOOO proud of myself when I managed to have my last name appear in place of "C" in the DOS prompt on my old Compaq 286 Laptop. I've got a feeling I'm looking at a factor of 1000 in terms of complicated! John C.

not really... the instructions are great, as well as it's super easy, even for a casual user. I bet your done in less than half an hour!

good luck!