Boot Sequence for the Sample Virtual Device (Compact 2013)

3/26/2014

The hd0_sample.vhd sample virtual hard disk included with Windows Embedded Compact 2013 is pre-configured to obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP and to boot from a network connection.

By default, Platform Builder detects BOOTME packets on the Ethernet network. As soon as it detects the virtual device as a target device, Platform Builder automatically connects to the virtual device and downloads the most recent run-time image.

Note

The hd0_sample.vhd file is located in the %_WINCEROOT%\platform\CEPC\vm folder.

For more information about how to connect to the sample virtual device through an Ethernet network that has access to a DHCP server, see Download the OS to the Device.

The boot process in detail

The following diagram and explanation describe the virtual device’s boot process in detail.

Boot Sequence of the Sample Virtual Device

  1. The boot loader displays the Configuration menu prompt, Hit space bar to enter the configuration menu.
    1. If you press the Spacebar, the boot loader enters the Configuration menu.
    2. If you do not press the Spacebar, the boot loader continues its boot process.
  2. The boot loader looks for a DHCP server.
    1. If it cannot find a DHCP server, the boot loader times out and returns to a low power state.
    2. If it does find a DHCP server, the boot loader obtains an IP address and connects to the network.
  3. The boot loader starts broadcasting BOOTME packets onto the network, and it continues broadcasting these packets for about two minutes.
    1. If it does not receive a response to the BOOTME packets, the boot loader times out and returns to a low power state.
    2. If it does get a response to the BOOTME packets, the boot loader sends an acknowledgement and continues its boot process.
  4. The boot loader downloads the run-time image from Platform Builder.
  5. The boot loader loads the new run-time image.

See Also

Concepts

Use the Sample Virtual Device

Other Resources

Getting Started
Download the OS to the Device