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Windows 3.x Boot Sequence

Windows 3.x is not a true operating system, so its boot sequence is the same as DOS, but typically has the added step of WIN.COM being initiated from the AUTOEXEC.BAT.

Windows 3.x Boot Errors

Device not found in WIN.INI - Usually a device driver is attempting to be loaded and its no longer present in the system. Check the WIN.INI in a text editor and verify its contents.

HIMEM.SYS is not loaded - the device driver responsible for extended memory is not loaded, Windows will not run without it. Confirm the statement "DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS\" line is in the CONFIG.SYS.

Windows 95 Boot Sequence

BIOS performs the POST, the partition table is accessed and IO.SYS is activated. MSDOS.SYS is checked for any boot parameters.

Next, the message "Starting Windows 95" is displayed. DRVSPACE.BIN loads if the volume is compressed. The registry is checked and loaded. Windows 95 performs hardware detection for new h/w.

Next, AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS are processed if they are present. The boot process switches into protected mode and WIN.COM is executed. The VMM32.VXD file and all virtual device drivers are loaded. These drivers could be in the Registry or SYSTEM.INI.

The Kernel, GDI, and User (Windows 95 core) are loaded, then the Explorer and network support.

If you experience problems during bootup, press the F8 key when the "Starting Windows 95" message is displayed. This activates the boot menu, which allows you to choose which mode to startup in, include Safe Mode and Command Prompt.