Windows Setup Timeline

This timeline shows Windows XP's Setup activity during an unattended installation, to clear up the confusion of when tasks are run.

Configure BIOS to set CD-ROM as First Boot Device. Boot from CD...

» Text-mode Setup

  1. Loads Drivers
  2. Copies files required for Setup to the Hard Disk
  3. Copies the contents of your $OEM$ folders to the Hard Disk
  4. Reboots the PC...
» GUI-mode Setup

  1. DetachedProgram executes from winnt.sif at T-39 stage
  2. Installs Devices
  3. Installs Network
  4. Installs Start Menu Items
  5. Registers Components
  6. svcpack.inf executes at T-13 minute stage
  7. cmdlines.txt executes at T-12 minute stage
  8. SetupParams executes from winnt.sif at T-9 minute stage
  9. Saves Settings
  10. Deletes temporary files then reboots...
» First Logon

  1. Windows logs you in and loads personal settings
  2. Both GUIRunOnce from winnt.sif and RunOnceEX executes at the same time
  3. Desktop and Taskbar loads

I hope this helps! Please consult the ref.chm file if you ever need to take advantage of DetachedProgram or [SetupParams].
Submitted by Alanoll.
Last updated 2005-11-21 18:36:58 by Alanoll