A network analyst is booting a PC with Windows 7 installed and 2 GB RAM. The boot process is currently at the step where the code in the boot sector is executed, and control is given to Windows Boot Manager. What is the next step in the boot process?

a) Winload uses the path specified in BOOTMGR to find the boot partition.
b) The BIOS boots the computer using the first drive that contains a valid boot sector.
c) The code in the boot sector is executed and control is given to Windows Boot Manager.
d) Winload loads two files that make up the core of Windows: NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLL.

The next step after the control is passed to Windows Boot Manager is Winload using the path specified in BOOTMGR to find the boot partition, where it then loads essential system files like NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLL. Thus, the correct option is a) Winload uses the path specified in BOOTMGR to find the boot partition.

Explanation:

The next step in the boot process after the Windows Boot Manager has control is: Winload uses the path specified in BOOTMGR to find the boot partition. This is a key part of the process because it directs the system to the location on the hard drive where the Windows operating system is installed. Once the boot partition is found, Winload, which is the Windows operating system loader, will proceed to load essential system files. NTOSKRNL.EXE (the Windows NT kernel) and HAL.DLL (the Hardware Abstraction Layer) are two critical system files needed for Windows to run. These files are essential for the interface between the system's hardware and the operating system, ensuring that the user has a stable and functioning environment.