Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
of BCD enables a common interface for systems that use either traditional BIOS or the
morerecentextensiblefirmwareinterface(EFI)configurationmethods.Theconfiguration
options in the BCD store are changed with the BCDEdit tool, a UAC-protected program.
Bootmgr.exe
starts
winload.exe
, which loads Windows if no other operating system is
present, using the settings in the BCD store. However, if a dual-boot configuration has
been created by installing Windows alongside a previous version of Windows, the Win-
dows Boot Manager displays a selection menu listing Windows Vista/7 and the previous
versionofWindows.Forexample,ifWindows7isdual-bootedwithWindowsXP,select-
ingtheoptiontorunthepreviousversionofWindowscausestheWindowsBootManager
to load Windows XP's
Ntldr
, as noted in the previous section. However, if Windows 7 is
selected,
winload.exe
boots the system using the settings in the BCD store.
WhenasystemrunningWindowsVista/7ishibernated,theBCDstoresinformationabout
thestateofthecomputerwhenitwashibernated.Whenthesystemresumesfromhiberna-
tion,the
winresume.exe
programisusedtorestartWindows,usingthehibernationinform-
ation stored in the BCD as well as the contents of
hiberfil.sys
.
PC Maintenance Tools
To troubleshoot and repair PC systems properly, you need a few basic tools. If you intend
to troubleshoot and repair PCs professionally, there are many more specialized tools you
willwanttopurchase.Theseadvancedtoolsenableyoutomoreaccuratelydiagnoseprob-
lems and make jobs easier and faster. Here are the basic tools that should be in every
troubleshooter's toolbox:
• Simple hand tools for basic disassembly and reassembly procedures
• Diagnostics software
• A multimeter
• Chemicals (such as contact cleaners), component freeze sprays, and compressed air
for cleaning the system
• Foam swabs, or lint-free cotton swabs if foam isn't available
• Small nylon wire ties for “dressing” or organizing wires
Some environments also might have the resources to purchase the following devices, al-
though they're not required for most work:
• Memory module tester
• Serial and parallel loopback (or wrap) plugs to test serial and parallel ports
• A USB testing plug to test USB ports
