"Please Wait" Appears on GoBack Startup Screen and Computer Stops Responding

ISSUE: After the BIOS runs the power-on self-test (POST), and the GoBack startup screen appears, the blue bar disappears and "Please wait" appears on the screen. The startup process stops, and there is no hard drive activity, either intermittent or constant. RESOLUTION:

First Resolution

Unhook Gateway GoBack from the MBR.

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Press and hold the CTRL+ALT keys simultaneously while tapping the G key right after the computer completes its POST and before the GoBack message appears.

   Note: Timing is very important, and it may take a few tries.

3. GoBack prompts you to force GoBack to unhook itself from the MBR.

4. To have GoBack unhook itself, press the F key.

5. A message appears, indicating that GoBack successfully unhooked itself, and the computer starts back into Windows.

6. A message may appear, indicating that GoBack is currently disabled and prompting you to re-enable it. Click No.

7. Follow the steps to download and install the 9513025.exe file from the Gateway Web site. This is a patched version of GoBack that does not exhibit this issue.

Second Resolution

Disable, remove, and then reinstall Gateway GoBack.

Disable Gateway GoBack with System Restoration CD version 13.2 or earlier.

1. Start the computer with System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive.

2. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press the ENTER key.

3. If the Welcome screen appears, press the F1 key to continue.

4. On the Main Menu screen, select Exit Program.

5. Remove System Restoration CD 1, and then place System Restoration CD 3 in the CD/DVD drive.

6. At the command prompt, type: D: (where D is the drive letter of the CD/DVD drive). Press ENTER.

7. At the command prompt, type: Cd\Goback. Press ENTER.

8. At the command prompt, type: Gb_prog /Disable. Press ENTER.

9. A "You are about to disable GoBack on your drives. All historical information will be cleared, thus you will no longer be able to retrieve files from the past. Are you sure you want to proceed?" message appears. Click Yes.

10. In the GoBack Disable dialog box, click OK to restart.

11. After GoBack has been successfully disabled, you are prompted to re-enable GoBack each time you start. Click No.

12. Remove GoBack by following the normal removal procedure for your version of GoBack.

13. Follow the steps to download and install the 9513025.exe file from the Gateway Web site. This is a patched version of GoBack that does not exhibit this issue.

Disable Gateway GoBack with System Restoration CD version 13.3 or later.

1. Start the computer with System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive.

2. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press the ENTER key.

3. On the next screen, select Option 1 - MS-DOS Prompt.

4. Remove System Restoration CD 1, and then place System Restoration CD 3 in the CD/DVD drive.

5. At the command prompt, type: Cd\Goback. Press ENTER.

6. At the command prompt, type: Gb_prog /Disable. Press ENTER.

7. A "You are about to disable GoBack on your drives. All historical information will be cleared, thus you will no longer be able to retrieve files from the past. Are you sure you want to proceed?" message appears. Click Yes.

8. In the GoBack Disable dialog box, click OK to restart.

9. After GoBack has been successfully disabled, you are prompted to re-enable GoBack each time you start. Click No.

10. Remove GoBack by following the normal removal procedure for your version of GoBack.

11. Follow the steps to download and install the 9513025.exe file from the Gateway Web site. This is a patched version of GoBack that does not exhibit this issue.

Third Resolution

If the first or second resolutions do not resolve the issue, Windows may need to be reinstalled. Prior to reinstalling Windows, follow the steps in the third resolution, as they may allow the computer to function normally.

Remove Gateway GoBack with System Restoration CD version 13.2 or earlier

1. Enter the BIOS Setup Utility, and then set the date to two days earlier than the time change. For example, if the time change took place on October 27, 2002, the date would be changed to October 25, 2002. Refer to the BIOS information for the installed motherboard for information on how to change the BIOS date.

2. Start the computer with System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive.

3. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press the ENTER key.

4. If the Welcome screen appears, press the F1 key to continue.

5. On the Main Menu screen, select Exit Program.

6. At the command prompt, type: FDISK /MBR. Press ENTER. Run FDISK /MBR two more times.

7. Leave System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive, and then press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

8. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press ENTER.

9. If the Welcome screen appears, press F1 to continue.

10. On the Main Menu screen, select Exit Program.

11. Remove System Restoration CD 1, and then place System Restoration CD 3 in the CD/DVD drive.

12. At the command prompt, type: D: (where D is the drive letter of the CD/DVD drive). Press ENTER.

13. At the command prompt, type: Cd\Goback. Press ENTER.

14. At the command prompt, type: GB_Prog /i. Press ENTER.

15. In the GoBack (148) dialog box, a message appears, indicating that GoBack has re-hooked itself into the MBR on disk 1. Click OK.

16. In the GoBack (301) dialog box, click OK.

17. In the GoBack Install dialog box, click OK to continue the installation.

18. In the GoBack Install dialog box, click OK when prompted that no drives were selected on which to install GoBack.

19. The computer returns to the command prompt. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to restart the computer.

20. Windows starts.

21. In the GoBack MBR Modified dialog box, click Uninstall.

22. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK to restart and remove GoBack.

23. The computer restarts, and GoBack is removed.

24. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK.

25. Restart the computer to ensure that it starts properly. If it works properly, change the date back to the correct day.

Remove Gateway GoBack with System Restoration CD version 13.3 or later.

1. Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and set the date to two days earlier than the time change. For example, if the time change took place on October 27, 2002, the date would be changed to October 25, 2002. Refer to the BIOS information for the installed motherboard for information on how to change the BIOS date.

2. Start the computer with System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive.

3. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press the ENTER key.

4. On the next screen, select Option 1 - MS-DOS Prompt.

5. At the command prompt, type: FDISK /MBR. Press ENTER. Run FDISK /MBR two more times.

6. Leave System Restoration CD 1 in the CD/DVD drive, and then press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

7. When the computer restarts, on the Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Option 2 - Boot from CD-ROM, and then press ENTER.

8. On the next screen, select Option 1 - MS-DOS Prompt.

9. Remove System Restoration CD 1, and then place System Restoration CD 3 in the CD/DVD drive.

10. At the command prompt, type: Cd\Goback. Press ENTER.

11. At the command prompt, type: GB_Prog /i. Press ENTER.

12. In the GoBack (148) dialog box, a message appears, indicating that GoBack has re-hooked itself into the MBR on disk 1. Click OK.

13. In the GoBack (301) dialog box, click OK.

14. In the GoBack Install dialog box, click OK to continue the installation.

15. In the GoBack Install dialog box, click OK when prompted that no drives were selected on which to install GoBack.

16. The computer returns to the command prompt. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to restart the computer.

17. Windows starts.

18. In the GoBack MBR Modified dialog box, click Uninstall.

19. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK to restart and remove GoBack.

20. The computer restarts and GoBack is removed.

21. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK.

22. Restart the computer to ensure that it starts properly. If it works properly, change the date back to the correct day.

Patched GoBack Installation

Download and install the 9513025.exe file from the Gateway Web site. Save the file to the desktop, and then follow these steps.

Note: This process could take 35 minutes or more to complete.

1. On your screen, double-click the 9513025.exe icon. The files self-extract and copy into the C:\Cabs\9513025 folder.

2. Place the Restoration CD or Applications CD that Gateway GoBack came on into the CD/DVD drive, and then close all windows that are open.

3. From the Start menu, click Run. In the Run dialog box, type: C:\Cabs\9513025\GoBackPatch.exe. Click OK.

4. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click No when prompted to read the readme file.

5. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK to remove the currently installed GoBack and restart the computer.

6. The GoBackUpdate dialog box opens, and the computer automatically restarts.

   Note: If the computer attempts to start to the System Restoration CD, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and then remove the CD. After the GoBack Uninstall dialog box opens, reinsert the CD.

7. The earlier version of GoBack is removed, and when it is complete, the computer starts into Windows.

8. In the GoBack Setup Wizard - Welcome dialog box, click Yes, I agree with the terms of the agreement, and then click Next.

   Note: If prompted to insert the original GoBack CD into the CD-ROM drive, insert the Restoration CD or Applications CD that Gateway GoBack came on, and then click OK.

9. In the GoBack Setup Wizard - Registration dialog box, complete the requested information, and then click Next.

10. In the GoBack Setup Wizard - Installation Type dialog box, click Easy Install, and then click Next.

11. In the GoBack Setup Wizard - Summary dialog box, click Finish.

12. The software installs, and creates a data file on your hard drive. This takes a few minutes to complete. Please wait.

13. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click Yes to have a GoBack shortcut placed on the desktop.

14. In the GoBack Setup dialog box, click OK to restart your computer.

"Windows Installer Service could not be accessed" error message when installing application

Depending on the issue, use one or all of the following methods:

• Method 1: Unregister and re-register Windows Installer.
• Method 2: Verify the DCOM permissions.
• Method 3: Give Full Control permission to the SYSTEM account.
• Method 4: Verify the registry permissions.
• Method 5: Fix the broken security key for the MsiServer service.

Method 1: Unregister and re-register the Windows Installer

1. Click Start, click Run, type MSIEXEC /UNREGISTER, and then click OK. Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs.
2. Click Start, click Run, type MSIEXEC /REGSERVER, and then click OK. Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs, or you may briefly see an hourglass. After you run this command, the operation is complete.
3. Try your Windows Installer-based application again.

Method 2: Verify the DCOM permissions

This method involves changing the DCOM default impersonation level to Identify, removing the Msisip.dll file, and then reinstalling SP 3 for Windows 2000.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type dcomcnfg, and then click OK.
2. On the Default Properties tab:
   1. In the Default Authentication Level list, click Connect.
   2. In the Default Impersonation Level list, click Identify, and then click OK.
3. Click Start, click Run, type explorer /select, %windir%\system32\msisip.dll, and then click OK.
4. Rename the Msisip.dll file as Msisip.old.
5. Reinstall Windows 2000 Service Pack 3.

Method 3: Give Full Control permission to the SYSTEM account

1. Start Windows Explorer, right-click the computer's root hard drive, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab, and then click Add.
3. In the Select Users, Computers, or Groups dialog box, click the SYSTEM account, click Add, and then click OK.
4. Under Allow, click to select the Full Control check box, and then click OK.
5. Click the TEMP folder and then verify that the SYSTEM account has full control.

Method 4: Verify the registry permissions

1. Click Start, click Run, then type Regedt32.
2. For each of the registry hives, follow these steps:
   1. Select the hive.
   2. For Windows XP, on the Edit menu, click Permissions.
      
      For Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4, on the Security menu, click Permissions.
3. Verify that the SYSTEM account has been added and that it has Full control. If it does not, add the SYSTEM account with Full control.

Method 5: Fix the broken security key for the MsiServer service

1. Start the computer by using Windows 2000.
2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit.exe, and then rename the following key to Old_Security:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer\Security
3. Restart the computer (you must do this).
4. Run Instmsiw.exe for installer 2.0 again; this corrects the broken security key for the MSI service.

How to resolve Common "Windows Installer" Problems

Method 1


Unregister Windows Installer, and then reregister Windows Installer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the "Start" menu, click "Run:.

2. In the "Open" box, type "msiexec /unreg", and then press ENTER.

3. On the "Start" menu, click "Run".

4. In the "Open" box, type "msiexec /regserver", and then press ENTER.


Method 2


Upgrade to Windows Installer version 2 or newer version. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer, and then browse to the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads

2. In the left pane tree menu, click "Setup and System Administration", and then click "Setup".

3. Click "Windows Installer", and then click the appropriate link for your operating system.

4. Click "Download" to download and install Windows Installer version 2 or newer version.


Method 3


Use Windows Installer CleanUp Utility to uninstall the failed product.

Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301


Method 4


The Windows Installer service may disabled on the machine.

1. Go to "Start" -> "Run" , type "services.msc" and press on "Enter" button.

2. Double-click on the service named "Windows Installer".

3. Check the value in the "Startup type:" field. If it's currently set to "Disabled", then this is the

problem. Change it by selecting "Manual" from the drop-down box.


Method 5


Empty user and system "temp" folders.

1. Empty "%systemdrive%\temp" folder.

2. Empty "%systemdrive%\%windir%\temp" folder.

3. Empty "%systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temp".


Method 6


Enable Windows Installer Logging and call to PSS support.

How to Enable Windows Installer Logging

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=223300

How to Enable Windows Installer Logging in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314852


Method 7


Check correct DCOM and System permissions:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=319624


Method 8


If you just upgrade Windows XP workstation to service pack 2 and the windows installer

problem appear only after this upgrade, please review the following knowledgebase:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;885894


Method 9


Check that the installation path length and environment variables length are execute

255 characters


Method 10


If you get the message error "Error 1628: Failed to complete script based install"

And followed the instruction above and it didn’t resolve the problem and you just create fresh

installation packet by using InstallShiled tool, please disable "Cache installation on local machine"

option during the installation packet create process.


Method 11


Check if there pending installation/s:


Warning: You should only edit these registry entries if you really know what you're doing. Back up your hard disk first.

a. Empty "InProgress" Registry Key

Check the following registry key:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\InProgress

and clean any entries that you find.

b. Empty/Rename "PendingFileRenameOperations" Registry Key:

Check the following registry key:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations

and clean any entries that you find.



Method 12


Obtain update MSI Package from the software manufacture.

Migrate XP to Windows 7 with Easy Transfer and a USB Drive

If you’re running XP and skipped the Vista update and need a good way to transfer files and settings, today we take a look at using Windows Easy Transfer and an external USB drive to easily complete the task.

Start Windows Easy Transfer

Start with the new Windows 7 machine and go to Start \ Getting Started \ Transfer your files.

Click through the Welcome screen and select “An external hard disk or USB flash drive”.

Next choose “this is my new computer”.

Answer this screen as No.

Select “I need to install it now” to install Windows Easy Share now so you get the latest updated version. At this point you want to make sure the external drive you want to use is plugged into the Windows 7 machine.

Now choose “External hard disk or shared network folder” to copy the Easy Transfer program to it.

After the Easy Transfer file is copied over you will be prompted to head over the old computer.

Configure XP Transfer Process

Now over on the XP machine plug in the external hard drive and launch Easy Transfer.

You’re presented with a progress display while it prepares to run.

A Welcome screen is displayed just like on the Windows 7 machine.

Again choose “An external hard disk or USB flash drive”.

After scanning the user accounts and their settings you’re presented with a general list where you can select what to save.

Clicking on the Advanced link allows a much more detailed way to select individual files and folders, when complete click on Save.

You have the option to password protect the backup.

A successful save is complete and now time to go back and plug the external drive into the new Windows 7 machine.

Restore Settings

On the Windows 7 machine this time click Yes to this question.

Explorer opens and navigate to the location of the backup on the external drive.

Now you can restore the entire backup or you can chose specific files and folders to restore, save your selection and begin the transfer.

When the transfer is complete you can see a report of what transferred or suggestions for additional programs

Not all programs and settings are going to transfer to your new OS but this definitely makes it easier to transfer compatible program settings, your files, folders and important documents.

Volume icon is not displayed in the notification area, and you may receive an error message when you try to add it

Method 1: Add the Volume icon

To add the Volume icon to the notification area of your computer, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste or type the following command in the Open box, and then click OK:
   mmsys.cpl
3. Click to select the Place volume icon in the taskbar check box.
4. Click OK.

If the Volume icon is displayed in the notification area of your computer, you are finished. If you cannot add the Volume icon or if you receive an error message when you try to add it, the Sndvol32.exe file might be damaged or missing. Go to method 2.

Method 2: Save a new copy of the Sndvol32.exe file on your hard disk

If the Sndvol32.exe file is damaged or missing, you must extract a new copy of the Sndvol32.exe file from the Windows XP CD and save it on your computer's hard disk.

Prerequisites

This method requires you to have your Windows XP installation CD.

Note If you do not have access to the Windows XP CD that contains the installation files, ask the network administrator for help if the computer is at your workplace, or contact Support. To contact Microsoft Support, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/ (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/)

To extract a copy of the Sndvol32.exe file from the Windows XP CD and save it on your computer’s hard disk, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD drive or DVD drive. Press and hold the SHIFT key as you insert the CD to prevent it from starting automatically.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. Copy and paste or type the following command in the Open box, and then click OK:
   cmd
   The command prompt opens.
4. Type the drive letter of the CD drive or DVD drive, type a colon, and then press ENTER. For example, if your computer’s CD drive is drive E, type the following, and then press ENTER:
   e:
5. Copy and paste or type the following, and then press ENTER:
   cd i386
6. Copy and paste or type the following, and then press ENTER:
   expand sndvol32.ex_ system_root\system32\sndvol32.exe
   Note system_root is the path and folder name where the Windows system files are located on your computer. This is usually C:\Windows. If the folder that contains the Windows system files on your computer is C:\Windows, type the following, and then press ENTER:
   expand sndvol32.ex_ c:\windows\system32\sndvol32.exe
   Note There is a space between "ex_" and "c:\windows" in this command.
7. Type exit to exit the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
8. Verify that you can start Volume Control and that the Volume icon is displayed in the notification area (if you selected this option in method 1).

If the Volume icon is displayed in the notification area, you are finished. If the Volume icon is not displayed in the notification area, go to the "Next steps" section.

connect to wireless network

Solution:	Open Network Connections. Click the wireless network connection icon. Click 'View available wireless networks'.
Details:	1) Open Network Connections. a) Click 'Start' b) Click 'Settings' c) Click 'Control Panel' d) Click 'Network Connections' 2) Click the wireless network connection icon, and then, under Network Tasks, click 'View available wireless networks'. 3) Choose the wireless network from the list that appears, and then click 'Connect'. 4) If the network is one that supports Wireless Provisioning Services, such as a public wireless network or a corporate network, you might be asked to download additional files that will allow your computer to connect to the network. a) If the Web site listed in the dialog box is one that you trust to provide you with this information, click Download. Otherwise, click Cancel and choose a different network to connect to. b) Once the files are downloaded (or if they were previously downloaded), follow the instructions in the Wireless Network Registration Wizard. 5) If the network you choose is security-enabled, one of the following will occur: a) If the network key is automatically provided by your network or system administrator (that is, the network supports IEEE 802.1x), the connection will be made automatically. b) If the network key is not automatically provided, in Network key, type the key. 6) To configure other wireless network connection settings, or if you are having difficulty making a connection to the wireless network that you selected, under Related Tasks, click Change advanced settings, select the wireless network that you want to configure, and then click Properties. If the wireless network is not in the list, click Add.

optimize IE7

To resolve these issues, use the following methods in the order in which they are presented.

Step 1: Clear cached data in Internet Explorer 7

1. Open Internet Explorer 7.
2. Click Tools, and then click Delete Browsing History.
3. In Delete Browsing History, click Delete All.
4. Click to select the Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons check box, and then click OK.
5. A progress bar is displayed to indicate that the browsing history is being cleared.

Step 2: Reset security settings for Internet Explorer 7

1. Open Internet Explorer 7.
2. Click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click Reset all zones to default level, and then click OK.

Step 3: Run Internet Explorer 7 in 'No Add-Ons' mode

1. Click Start, and then type Internet Explorer in the Start Search box.
2. Click Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons). Internet Explorer 7 opens without add-ons, toolbars, or plug-ins.
3. Internet Explorer to verify that it works correctly.

• Option 1: Reset Internet Explorer 7
  
  Reset Internet Explorer 7 to its default configuration. This step will also disable any add-ons, plug-ins, or toolbars that are installed. Although this solution is quick, it also means that, if you want to use any of those add-ons in the future, they must be reinstalled.
  
• Option 2: Use the Manage Add-ons tool to determine which add-on is causing the issue
  
  1. Open Internet Explorer 7.
  2. Click Tools, point to Manage Add-ons, and then click Enable or Disable Add-ons.
  3. In the Show box, select Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer to display all add-ons that are installed on the computer.
  4. For each item in this list, select the add-on, and then click Disable under Settings.
  5. When you have disabled all the items in this list, click OK.
  6. Exit and then restart Internet Explorer 7.
  7. If issues do not occur, repeat steps 1 through 3.
  8. Click Enable for a single add-on.
  9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 until you determine which add-on causes errors to occur.

Step 4: Reset Internet Explorer 7 settings

1. Open Internet Explorer 7.
2. Click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Under Reset Internet Explorer Settings, click Reset.

Malware byte scan

This article describes how to download and install MalwareBytes on the PC and run a scan.

1. Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, or MBAM, from the following location and save it to your desktop:Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Download Link
2. Once downloaded, close all programs and Windows on your computer, including this one.
3. Double-click on the icon on your desktop named Download_mbam-setup.exe. This will start the installation of MBAM onto your computer.
4. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the installation process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finish button.
5. MBAM will now automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program before performing a scan. As MBAM will automatically update itself after the install, you can press the OK button to close that box and you will now be at the main program as shown below.
6. On the Scanner tab, make sure the the Perform quick scan option is selected and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer for MS Antispyware 2009 related files.
7. MBAM will now start scanning your computer for malware. This process can take quite a while, so we suggest you go and do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan. When MBAM is scanning it will look like the image below.
8. When the scan is finished a message box will appear as shown in the image below. You should click on the OK button to close the message box and continue with the MSAntispyware 2009 removal process.
9. You will now be back at the main Scanner screen. At this point you should click on the Show Results button.
10. A screen displaying all the malware that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below. Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.
    
    You should now click on the Remove Selected button to remove all the listed malware. MBAM will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the programs quarantine. When removing the files, MBAM may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow it to do so. Once your computer has rebooted, and you are logged in, please continue with the rest of the steps.
11. When MBAM has finished removing the malware, it will open the scan log and display it in Notepad. Review the log as desired, and then close the Notepad window.
12. You can now exit the MBAM program.

Windows XP Boot Sequence

When you hit the power button on your computer a whole lot of stuff happens. We call this the boot process. In the days when I first started using computers there was literally a "boot disk", a floppy (5.25" not a 3.5") disk that told the system where to go and what to do so that the operating system would start up. Since then the boot sequence has become somewhat more complicated. So let me take you thru the steps the computer takes to get started. For my example I'm going to use a Windows XP system.

1. First is the POST, this stands for Power On Self Test, for the computer. This process tests memory as well as a number of other subsystems. You can usually monitor this as it runs each test. After that is complete the system will run POST for any device that has a BIOS (Basic Input-Output System). An AGP has its own BIOS, as do some network cards and various other devices.
2. Once the POST is complete and the BIOS is sure that everything is working properly, the BIOS will then attempt to read the MBR (Master Boot Record). This is the first sector of the first hard drive (called the Master or HD0). When the MBR takes over it means that Windows is now in control.
3. The MBR looks at the BOOT SECTOR (the first sector of the active partition). That is where NTLDR is located, NTLDR is the BOOT LOADER for Windows XP. NTLDR will allow memory addressing, initiate the file system, read the boot.ini and load the boot menu. NTLDR has to be in the root of the active partition as do NTDETECT.COM, BOOT.INI, BOOTSECT.DOS (for multi-OS booting) and NTBOOTDD.SYS (if you have SCSI adapters)
4. Once XP is selected from the Boot Menu, NTLDR will run NTDETECT.COM, BOOT.INI and BOOTSECT.DOS to get the proper OS selected and loaded. The system starts in 16-bit real mode and then moves into 32-bit protected mode.
5. NTLDR will then load NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLL. Effectively, these two files are windows XP. They must be located in %SystemRoot%System32.
6. NTLDR reads the registry, chooses a hardware profile and authorizes device drivers, in that exact order.
7. At this point NTOSKRNL.EXE takes over. It starts WINLOGON.EXE that in turn starts LSASS.EXE, this is the program that display the Logon screen so that you can logon.