Never mind, I think I've found stumbled by trial and error on how to do this.  A step-by-step startup procedure with a reference to where to begin in the sequence for a "short startup" state would be helpful but I haven't been able to find such.  (I can't read 1000 pages of manuals (my old brain would forget what I read yesterday)...and I find it very difficult to find stuff in them.  I've done keyword searches in all of the manuals for "startup" or "start-up" and haven't found any thing like this....perhaps I'm spoiled by my work in the chemical industry where we had precise, numbered, step-by-step startup and shutdown procedures)

Hello,

 

You must get the IRS aligned before your route being displayed on the ND in map mode.
If you switch to plan mode, you will see your route even if the IRS are not aligned.
 

 

 

I'm sure it's hidden somewhere in the 1000+ pages of manuals but I can't find it.

 

You're probably better off with the shorter Tutorials. Tutorial #1 is on your computer, accessible through the Ops Center (or Prepar3D v3\PMDG\PMDG 777X\Flight Manuals). Tutorial #1.5 can be found here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/PMDG_Downloads/file_library/documentation/PMDG-777-Tutorial-1.5.zip.

 

#1.5 is probably your better bet. A cold and dark power up is at the beginning with a short state while at the gate.

This may be worth a look if you don't mind paying

 

http://www.flyaoamedia.com/777-training/

 

or this when it beomes available

 

http://www.airline2sim.com/videos/

 

 

where to begin in the sequence for a "short startup" state would be helpful

I have created a "very short  startup" state which I can get to you via Dropbox along with directions. If you are interested, let me know.