Identify the Boot Sequence Files and Registry Files

Last Updated on Fri, 01 Sep 2023 | Operating Systems

You should know the process that Windows XP uses when booting. Understanding these steps can help you to troubleshoot boot problems.

The boot sequence for Windows XP is as follows:

1. Power-on self test (POST) is run.

2. POST for each adapter card that has a BIOS is run.

3. BIOS reads the Master Boot Record (MBR).

4. MBR takes over control of the boot process and starts NT Loader (NTLDR).

5. NTLDR reads the boot.ini file to know which OS to load and where to find the OS on the boot partition.

6. NTLDR uses ntdetect.com to detect any installed hardware.

7. NTLDR loads the ntoskrnl.exe file and hal.dll.

8. NTLDR reads the registry files and loads device drivers.

9. The ntoskrnl.exe file starts the winlogon.exe program and displays the Windows login screen.

cloning:

Step 2.

Continue reading here: Windows XP Boot Process

Was this article helpful?

+1 -2

Related Posts

Readers' Questions

  • julian
    What file is the os loader boot program?
    10 months ago
    • The file that the OS loader boot program is usually stored in is called the bootloader. Common examples of bootloaders include GRUB and LILO.
    • TORSTEN
      Where tonfind boot in regestry?
      1 year ago
      • Boot information in the registry can be found by navigating to the following registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\BootVendorSettings.