Win ME Boot Sequence Please?

[xoptimus]

Hello again everyone
Can someone please explain to me what is the step by step boot sequence of Windows ME? I would like to know what happens from where the "Boot Strap" file is loaded from the hard disk. I know it then goes on to load the OS but what I want to know is:-

what system files are loaded?
in what sequence are the files loaded?
what does each file do (generally) when it loads?

I can't find a good explanation of this anywhere so would really appreciate any help.

regards
xOptimus

[YODA74]

This is the seconed time you have asked this question so I'll give you some of an answer.BUT www.google.com (http://www.google.com) is a good place for learning and so are the files here at the PC Guide Archives you will need to use them for schooling references.

The boot process starts when you turn on your computer. The system BIOS provides the CPU with its first set of instructions, sometimes called the bootstrap. The CPU executes the BIOS instructions, which normally include a POST (power-on self test), which is a quick scan to determine whether various core hardware components are installed and working properly. The system BIOS code and firmware found on expansion cards also perform basic controller and device initialization functions. Motherboards created in the past five or six years also check for plug-and-play hardware, and figure out what resources are required.

The BIOS then instructs the processor to look at the PC's storage devices and to try to find an operating system. If and when it does, the system BIOS initializes its IPL, or initial program load. The IPL locates and executes a file called IO.SYS, which contains instructions for loading Windows.

Windows then thanks the BIOS for its hard work and takes over. IO.SYS loads a memory manager (HIMEM.SYS), a minimal file system (IFSHLP.SYS), and a hack to make DOS programs believe they're running on whatever version of DOS they expect (SETVER.EXE). Then it reads and/or executes several files, including MSDOS.SYS (which defines a number of startup parameters), COMMAND.COM (the DOS command interpreter), and, in Win9x versions prior to WinMe, startup files CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.

WIN.COM, Windows' protected mode loader, is then executed. WIN.COM loads Windows' virtual device driver library, VMM32.VXD, which subsequently loads various real-mode drivers before switching Windows into protected mode. The BIOS software-based interrupts are rerouted to give Windows full control over system devices, and each device is further initialized beyond any basic firmware initialization. GUI components are then loaded, the network environment is initialized (you'll be asked to log in at this point, if your PC is networked and login is required), and finally registry startup programs and Start Menu programs are executed.

There are three areas of boot process that lend themselves to performance tuning: the BIOS setup, the MSDOS.SYS file, and Windows startup items.

There is no excuse for not being able to find very useful information just by surfing and asking questions after all that is why this place is here http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Not getting down on you I hope you understand that, becouse I'm in need all the time for info but i will make a complete and exhaustable try to find information before asking .so i hope this helps you out some.




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Death has come to our windows.

-- Jeremiah 9:21
(undoubtedly a Biblical reference to a Microsoft product!)

YODA74@carolina.rr.com