Boot Loader Process

The boot loader enables you to select the operating system that you want to start and loads the operating system files from the boot partition. Boot loader processing is different on x86-based and RISC-based computers.

NTLDR Functions (x86-based Computers)

NTLDR controls the operating system selection process and hardware detection prior to the Windows NT Kernel initialization. NTLDR must be in the root folder.

When NTLDR starts executing, it clears the screen and displays the boot loader message, which is:


OS Loader V4.0

OSLOADER Functions (RISC-based Computers)

On RISC-based computers, Osloader.exe performs all of the functions that are performed by the x86-based components NTLDR, Ntdetect.com, and Bootsect.dos.

The NVRAM contains environment variables that provide the functional equivalent of the Boot.ini file on x86-based computers.