1. POST (Power On Self Test) - Tests memory, as well as # of subsystems
2.BIOS will attempt to read MBR (Master Boot Record) or 1st sector of 1st Hard Drive. When MBR takes over, Windows is in control
3.MBR looks at BOOT SECTOR / finds NTLDR (Windows XP BOOT LOADER) / NTLDR allows memory addressing, initiates file system, read the boot.ini and load boot menu