Windows NT/2000/XP Key Boot Files

The Windows startup routine for Windows NT/2000 and XP differs considerably from Windows 9x, not only are the procedures different, but the files used to boot the system are different too.

• NTLDR - This is the bootstrap file that begins loading the operating system.
• BOOT.INI - This file holds details of all operating systems installed on the machine.
• BOOTSECT.DOS - This file is for dual-boot systems only, allowing it to boot to a DOS or Windows 9x system.
• NTDETECT.COM - Checks for hardware each time the system loads.
• NTBOOTDD.SYS - This file is purely for booting from SCSI drives where the BIOS is disabled.
• NTOSKRNL.EXE - Windows operating system kernel.
• HAL.DLL - Hardware Abstraction Layer, enables hardware and operating system.

The boot sequence of a machine running Windows NT/2000/XP can be seen side-by-side with a Windows 9x boot sequence in my previous post here: Windows NT/2000/XP boot process.