The operating system - so it can load it into memory. It searches according to the path laid down in the config.sys file.
The first step in the boot process is the Power-On Self-Test (POST). When the computer is powered on, the BIOS or UEFI firmware initializes the hardware components and checks for any errors. If the POST is successful, the system then proceeds to locate and load the boot loader from the designated boot device.
The POST (Power On Self Test).
POST
The first step in the booting process is POST (power-on self-test).
POST stands for power on self test it does basic hardware checks on the computer
Post
A "POST card."
POST
The instructions that a server uses to boot, including the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and drive detection, are typically found in the server's firmware, specifically in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). These firmware interfaces initialize hardware components and locate the bootable drive to load the operating system. You can access and modify these settings during the server's startup process by pressing a designated key, such as F2 or DEL, depending on the manufacturer.
No post, fails start up tests, No boot pass's POST tests but wont load os. (answer A on dell exam)
BIOS boot sequence option.
A POST test card monitors the boot process and reports errors typically as coded numbers on a small LED panel. The majority of POST test cards plug directly into an expansion slot although some do connect via serial or parallel connection.