Reviewing the X86 Based Boot Process

Pre-Boot Sequence

File Accessed --- POST (Check Processor, Memory & I/O)--MBR (Specify Partition used to boot O/S) --- C:\\ (Normally)--MBR (Booted & Executed) copy NTLDR to Active Partition)

Boot Sequence

Pre-boot complete --- NTLDR (switch CPU to Prorated mode (NTFS, FAT32 selection) BOOT.INI (File read & Info used to Initialize menu selection) Selection in case of Dual boot (BOOTSECT.DOS)--NTDECT.COM (Gather H/W data & pass to Registry)-- NTLDR check if more than one H/W protocol exists-- NTOSKRNL.EXE (Take the way and Load Window XP)

Kernel Load Sequence

NTOSKRNL.EXE is Loaded --- HAL LoadedLow Level Drivers are added

Kernel Initialization Sequence

H/W Register & Clone Control --- Device Driver Initialized (Loaded during Kernel Load Phase)  High order sub-system & services are loaded

Logon Sequence

After Kernel Initialization  Logon Screen appear  Services controller executes & perform full scan to see if any services needed to be loaded

Plug & Play Devices Detection Phase

All devices are detected during Startup Process  if any device found, the required driver is automatically installed from DRIVER.CAB  if driver not found then it is prompted to user