SUMMARY
Windows NT device drivers define the following start codes:
- Boot
- System
- Auto
- Demand
- Disabled
The text below provides additional details about each of these start
codes.
Boot
The Boot start code indicates that the OS loader loads the driver at
boot time before the executive system receives control. The disk
driver for the system disk is an example of a Boot driver. If the
system cannot load a Boot driver it cannot load the other drivers.
System
The System start code indicates that the I/O system loads the driver
during initialization. The mouse driver is an example of a System
driver.
Auto
The Auto start code indicates that the Service Controller loads the
driver during its initialization. The parallel part driver is an
example of an Auto driver.
Demand
The Demand start code indicates that the Service Controller loads the
driver only when it is explicitly instructed to do so. By default,
Windows NT does not use any Demand drivers. You might create a Demand
driver by loading the parallel port driver only when you want to print
a document or only when a specified printer is available.
Disabled
The Disabled start code indicates that the system does not load the
driver. Windows NT sets the Disabled start code for all drivers in the
system that it does not load (because corresponding hardware is not
installed or for any other reason).