EMZETT.Boot files
In short: Boot files are all files the computer needs to start the operating system: bootloader, configuration, kernel, drivers and registry parts. If one is missing or damaged, the system does not start.
In more detail: They are located in several places: bootloader and configuration on the EFI system partition, kernel and drivers on the Windows partition. Each stage loads the next.
In Depth
Windows (UEFI):
| File | Role |
|---|---|
bootmgfw.efi | Windows Boot Manager, started by the firmware |
BCD | Boot configuration data: which systems, which options |
winload.efi | Loads kernel, HAL and boot drivers |
ntoskrnl.exe | Kernel of the operating system |
hal.dll | Hardware abstraction layer |
SYSTEM (registry) | Configuration and driver list |
*.sys | Drivers needed at startup |
Linux: grubx64.efi, grub.cfg, vmlinuz (kernel), initrd/initramfs (startup file system in RAM with the first drivers).
Repairs:
- Windows: Start from installation media → “Repair your computer” → command prompt:
bootrec /scanos,bootrec /rebuildbcd,bcdboot C:\Windows. - Check file system:
chkdsk C: /f, system files:sfc /scannow. - Linux: Live system, mount partition,
grub-install,update-grub. - Typical messages: “BOOTMGR is missing”, “winload.efi is missing or corrupt (0xc000000f)”, “The boot configuration data is missing”.
- Causes: Faulty update, power failure, disk errors, deleted ESP, viruses, wrong partition change.
- Protection: Regular system backups (image), Secure Boot against manipulated startup files, enough free space.
See also: Bootloader, EFI system partition and system partition, Boot process of a Windows 11 computer