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C27 The Boot Process

The document discusses the boot process for various versions of Windows and DOS. It describes the key boot files, boot sequences, and alternative boot modes. It also covers how to create boot disks, emergency repair disks, and use the recovery console. Troubleshooting tips are provided for startup and shutdown issues.

Uploaded by

Amir M. Villas
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
27 views

C27 The Boot Process

The document discusses the boot process for various versions of Windows and DOS. It describes the key boot files, boot sequences, and alternative boot modes. It also covers how to create boot disks, emergency repair disks, and use the recovery console. Troubleshooting tips are provided for startup and shutdown issues.

Uploaded by

Amir M. Villas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PC Hardware Servicing

Chapter 27: The Boot Process

Chapter 27 Objectives
Understand bootable disks Identify key boot files in each OS version List the boot sequence for each OS Use alternative boot modes Create and use a boot floppy Use the Recovery Console Create and use an ERD Troubleshoot startup and shutdown problems

What Constitutes a Bootable Disk?


A disk that can bring the PC to a functional level, with the OS ready to accept user commands

Startup Configuration Files for DOS


CONFIG.SYS

Used primarily under MS-DOS Plain text file Lists environment variables and device drivers Runs only at startup
Used primarily under MS-DOS Plain text file Lists applications to run at startup Simple batch file, can be rerun at any time

AUTOEXEC.BAT

Sample CONFIG.SYS

Sample AUTOEXEC.BAT

Startup Configuration Files for Windows 3.x


SYSTEM.INI
Loads device drivers Defines environment variables

WIN.INI
Loads applications Sets display settings and I/O device settings Defines application settings

Sample SYSTEM.INI

Sample WIN.INI

The Registry
32-bit versions of Windows system settings files In Windows 9x: SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT In Windows NT/2000/XP: SAM, SECURITY, SYSTEM, SOFTWARE, DEFAULT Accessed through the Registry Editor as a single database

MS-DOS Boot Sequence


1. BIOS performs POST 2. BIOS searches for master boot record (MBR), which defines the active partition 3. MBR takes control and locates IO.SYS 4. IO.SYS takes control, identifies hardware 5. IO.SYS runs CONFIG.SYS 6. MSDOS.SYS takes control, loads OS kernel into RAM 7. MSDOS.SYS runs AUTOEXEC.BAT 8. Command.com displays a command prompt

Windows 9x Boot Sequence


1. BIOS performs POST 2. BIOS searches for MBR 3. MBR takes control and locates IO.SYS 4. IO.SYS takes control, runs MSDOS.SYS instructions 5. IO.SYS loads LOGO.SYS (graphic file) and displays it as Windows splash screen 6. IO.SYS looks for SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT and checks them

Windows 9x Boot Sequence


7. IO.SYS loads SYSTEM.DAT 8. IO.SYS executes CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXECB.BAT if present 9. IO.SYS loads HIMEM.SYS 10. IO.SYS loads WIN.COM 11. Win.COM loads 386.VXD (virtual memory manager) 12. VMM386.VXD loads 32-bit device drivers

Windows 9x Boot Sequence


13. WIN.COM processes SYSTEM.INI if present 14. WIN.COM loads KRNL32.DLL, GDI.EXE, and USER.EXE 15. WIN.COM executes WIN.INI if present 16. WIN.COM runs any programs from Startup folder on Start menu

Alternative Boot Modes for Windows 9x


Press F8 as PC is starting up to see Startup Menu

Alternative Boot Modes for Windows 9x

Safe Mode
Minimal set of drivers Standard VGA driver No support for CD, sound, modems

Step by Step Confirmation


Accept or reject each line of the startup

Windows NT, 2000, and XP Boot Sequence


1. 2. 3. 4. BIOS performs POST BIOS searches for MBR MBR takes control and locates NTLDR NTLDR switches CPU into 32-bit protected mode 5. NTLDR reads BOOT.INI. If multiple OSes, it displays a menu for user choice, and passes control to the chosen OS 6. NTLDR runs NTDETECT.COM, which detects the hardware for Registry

Windows NT, 2000, and XP Boot Sequence


7. NTLDR reads NTOSKRNL (OS kernel) into memory 8. NTLDR locates drivers for Registryreported hardware 9. NTLDR hands over control to NTOSKRNL.EXE 10. NTOSKRNL.EXE loads the device drivers and the GUI

Alternative Boot Modes for NT 4


VGA mode

Alternative Boot Modes for Windows 2000 and XP

Troubleshooting 9x Startup
No operating system found
No bootable disk is available PC does not see hard drive Hard drive not formatting No OS installed Loose connection to hard disk Physical malfunction Virus infection IO.SYS or MSDOS.SYS missing or corrupted

Troubleshooting 9x Startup
Error in CONFIG.SYS Line xx
Driver called for in CONFIG.SYS missing or corrupted

Bad or Missing COMMAND.COM Stuck at Windows splash screen


Press Esc to see what is going on behind it Disable virtual memory Rebuild paging file

Troubleshooting 9x Startup
Missing, Corrupt, or Unloaded HIMEM.SYS Windows protection error
Virtual device driver problem Start in Safe Mode and check for a real-mode driver on CONFIG.SYS Remove and reinstall the device

Device referenced in SYSTEM.INI or WIN.INI not found

Troubleshooting 9x Startup
General protection fault (GPF)
Two programs try to use the same memory space Make a note of the file causing the error, and restart If repeats, try reinstalling the associated program or using EXTRACT to re-copy file from Windows disc

Troubleshooting 2000/XP Startup


Try Safe Mode Try restoring last known good configuration If Windows XP, use System Restore Repair Windows installation by booting from Setup CD and choosing Repair

Controlling What Loads at Startup


Disable items in WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and CONFIG.SYS through the System Configuration Editor (SYSEDIT)

Controlling What Loads at Startup


Delete items from Startup folder on Start menu

Controlling What Loads at Startup


Use System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG) to disable startup items

Creating a 9x Startup Floppy


1. Open Control Panel 2. Add/Remove Programs, Startup Disk tab 3. Click Create Disk and follow the prompts

How a Boot Floppy Works


1.Booting from floppy creates RAM disk 2.Compressed files are decompressed onto RAM disk Therefore some utilities are directly on the floppy, and others are on the RAM disk

Files on a Boot Floppy


DRVSPACE.BIN: Support for hard disks compressed with DriveSpace EBD.CAB: The compressed file containing extra utilities to be placed on RAM disk AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS

FINDRAMD.EXE: Locates the RAM disk


EXTRACT.EXE: Extracts compressed files to RAM disk FDISK: Partitions disks

README.TXT: Information
CD-ROM drivers

Files on the RAM Disk

What is an ERD?
Emergency Repair Disk For Windows 2000/XP only Not bootable Stores settings that can help repair Windows, along with Windows Setups Repair mode Specific to that PC

Creating an ERD
1. Start the Backup application 2. Click the Emergency Repair Disk button

3. Follow the prompts

What Is the Recovery Console?


Command-line interface Limited set of commands Accessible even when Windows will not start normally Can repair the MBR, disable services, etc.

Booting to the Recovery Console


1.Boot from the Windows CD 2.Choose R for Repair 3.Choose C for Recovery Console 4.Type 1 to choose the Windows installation 5.Enter administrator password when prompted

Recovery Console Commands


Some

are same as with Win9x startup disk:


DIR EXIT EXPAND FORMAT MD RD REN

ATTRIB CD MD COPY DEL CHKDSK

Recovery Console Commands


Some are different from normal command prompt commands:
BATCH DISABLE DISKPART ENABLE FIXBOOT FIXMBR LISTSYS

Troubleshooting Shutdown Problems


Does not shut off with Shut Down command
Is ACPI enabled in BIOS Setup? Is it an ATX motherboard? Is ACPI enabled in Windows? Are case wires connected to motherboard? Is a BIOS update available for motherboard?

Troubleshooting Shutdown Problems


Application Not Responding
Click End Task if dialog box appears Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and shut down application

No Shutdown with Power Button


Hold power button down for 5 seconds

Troubleshooting Shutdown Problems


Windows 98 locks up when shutting down
Download patch for Windows 98 Disable Fast Shutdown (in MSCONFIG)

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