666 Computer Service and Repair
The Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool can also be run from the
Memory
Diagnostics Tool
option on the Windows Vista installation DVD.
Boot Sequences
The computer boot sequence is very similar in all the Windows NT-based
operating systems (Windows 2000 and Windows XP) and Windows Vista.
However, the boot sequence of these operating systems is very different from
Windows 98 and earlier operating systems. A good understanding of the startup
process is an essential part of troubleshooting. It is, therefore, imperative that
you study the boot sequence of all standard operating systems and compare the
differences. One way to accomplish this is to study the programs associated with
the boot disk created for each system. The boot disk contains the files necessary
to boot the computer as well as some of the various enhancement files. Not all
files on a boot disk are necessary for booting the system. Information about a
system boot sequence and boot files are usually contained in the
readme.txt
file of
the installation discs. Always read the
readme.txt
files of the operating system you
are installing for the first time.
The following table compares the boot sequences of the various Windows
operating systems. Notice that they are all similar in that they begin with the POST.
Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
Windows is checking for memory problems…
This might take several minutes.
Running test pass 1 of 2: 17% complete
Overall test status: 09% complete
Status:
No problems have been detected yet.
Although the test may appear inactive at times, it is still running.
Please wait until testing is complete…
Windows will restart the computer automatically. Test results will be
displayed again after you log on.
F1 = Options
Figure 15-27.
A recreation of the
Windows Memory
Diagnostics Tool in
progress.