Standard Mode Boot Process for Windows for Workgroups

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q92587
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1

SUMMARY

In Windows for Workgroups, the standard-mode startup ("boot") process is slightly different than the process for Windows version 3.1. This article describes the procedure for starting Windows for Workgroups in standard mode.

MORE INFORMATION

The following procedure starts the network connections and Windows for Workgroups in standard mode.

  1. The user starts the network software by typing "net logon" (without the quotation marks) at the MS-DOS command prompt. If the user logs onto the network successfully, the persistent network connections are restored (for example, file and printer connections active during the last Windows for Workgroups session.)

  2. The user starts WIN.COM by typing "win" (without the quotation marks) at the MS-DOS command prompt.

    Note: If you are using a 386 machine and you type "win", your system attempts to start in enhanced mode. Type "win/s" (without the quotation marks) to enter standard mode.

  3. WIN.COM invokes the MS-DOS EXEC function to load DOSX to provide extended memory access support.

  4. DOSX loads the standard-mode kernel (KRNL286.EXE).

  5. KRNL286.EXE loads the following files: 

        - The Windows drivers (identified as *.DRV in the SYSTEM.INI file)
    - GDI.EXE
    - USER.EXE
    - Supporting files (for example, fonts)
    - WFWNET.DRV (the Windows for Workgroups network driver)

  6. WFWNET.DRV loads the Network DDE background application (NETDDE.EXE) and the ClipBook Server background application (CLIPSRV.EXE).

  7. WFWNET.DRV prompts the user to log on to the network if the user has not done so already. If the user logs on to the network successfully, the WFWNET.DRV then restores the persistent network connections (for example, file and printer connections active during the last Windows for Workgroups session).

  8. KRNL286.EXE launches the Windows shell identified by the shell= entry in the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file. By default, this is the Windows Program Manager.

REFERENCES

"Windows for Workgroups Resource Kit," Windows version 3.1, pages 2-15

KBCategory: kbenv
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg winboot
Additional reference words: 3.10

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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