Setup and Startup

  • Article

The Windows 2000 startup process is similar to the startup process for Windows NT 4.0 but is significantly different from other operating systems. In MS-DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98, the computer loads the IO.sys file followed by Msdos.sys and Command.com. However, in Windows 2000, these files only exist on computers that have multiple-boot configurations with Windows 95, Windows 98, or MS-DOS.

The following list describes the startup sequence on a computer running Windows 2000 Professional:

  • Power-on self test (POST)

  • Initial startup process

  • Bootstrap loader process

  • Operating system selection (if the computer has a multiple-boot configuration)

  • Hardware detection

  • Hardware configuration selection (if you are using more than one hardware profile)

  • Kernel loading

  • Operating system logon process

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Note

The system startup sequence only applies to a system that is started from a reboot or a power off state. This sequence does not apply to a system that is turned on from a hibernated state.

This startup sequence applies to all versions of Windows 2000.