OS Boot Files (XP Windows 7 and Vista )

OS Boot Files (XP Windows 7 and Vista )

             To boot a computer is to load an OS into the computer’s memory or random access memory. Once OS system is loaded, It’s ready for users to run applications. Sometimes you will see an instruction to “reboot” the OS , This simply means to reload the OS.

Below are the Windows XP and Windows 7 bootable files.

Windows XP Boot files :

NTLDR – This files helps to boot Windows XP as well as Windows 2000

BOOT.INI – It is a text file which lists the available Operating Systems found and tells the NTLDR where to find boot partition.

BOOTSECT.DOS – Locates the IO.SYS file so you can start another OS in a dual boot environment.

NTDETECT.COM – Loads into protected mode and detects the installed hardware on your system.

NTBOOTDD.SYS – On a system with a SCSI boot device, this file is used to recognize and load the SCSI boot partition.

HAL.DLL – Hardware Abstraction layer of  XP.

WIN.COM – Windows XP command files.

Windows 7

BOOTMGR – Found in the MBR this file boots up the Windows Operating System.

BCD (Boot Configuration Data) – is the text file that lists the available OS found and tells the BOOTMGR where to find boot partition.

WINLOAD.EXE – Loads the Windows Interface.

NTOSKRNL.EXE – Windows Vista/7 Command line

WIN.COM – Windows Vista/7 Command file.

HAL.DLL – Hardware Abstraction layer of Windows 7/Vista.