If you see errors during the pre-boot sequence, they are probably not related to Windows Server 2003, since the operating system has not yet been loaded. The Ntldr file is used to initialize and start the Windows Server 2003 boot process. The boot sector points to the Ntldr file, and this file executes. The Ntldr file is copied into memory and executed.Once the MBR locates the active partition, the boot sector is loaded into memory and executed. The active partition is used to specify the partition that should be used to boot the operating system. The MBR points to the Active partition.It contains the partition table and master boot code, which is executable code used to locate the active partition. It is also sometimes called the master boot sector or even just the boot sector.The MBR is located on the first sector of the hard disk. The BIOS points to the boot device and the Master Boot Record (MBR) is loaded.The POST detects the processor you are using, how much memory is present, the hardware is recognized and what BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) your computer is using. When the computer is powered on, it runs a power-on self-test (POST) routine.The pre-boot sequence consists of the following steps: The preboot sequence is not truly a part of windows booting process. The computer will search for a boot device based on the boot order that was configured in the computer’s BIOS settings. The following sections describe the steps in each boot process stage, the files used, and the errors that might occur.Ī normal boot process begins with the pre-boot sequence, in which your computer starts up and prepares to boot the operating system. Many files are used during these stages of the boot process. If you are running Windows Server 2003 on an x86-based platform, the boot process consists of six major stages: This article exclusively deals with x86-based boot Process

The boot process will slightly differ depending on whether your server is using an x86-based processor or an Itanium-based processor. A server error can occur when the server is booting, during its running time or even when it is shutting down. While diagnosing a server error, it is important to first determine at which stage the error occurred.

This article will help you understand and troubleshoot most of the errors commonly occurring during the Windows Server 2003 boot process. Some can be easily corrected, while others might require you to reinstall Windows Server 2003. There can be various reasons for startup failures. The boot process starts when you turn on your computer and ends when you log on to Windows Server 2003.

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