A detailed walkthrough of the complete PC boot process, from power-on through firmware (BIOS/UEFI), POST, and disk structure reading. Covers MBR and GPT partitioning schemes in depth: MBR's 512-byte layout including bootstrap code, partition table fields (CHS, LBA, boot indicator, partition type), and the 55AA signature. GPT's multi-sector structure is explained field-by-field including the protective MBR, primary/backup GPT headers, CRC32 integrity checks, partition entry arrays, GUIDs, and the EFI System Partition. Practical forensics applications are highlighted, such as using LBA addresses to locate deleted partitions in a hex editor. Little-endian byte ordering and its implications for reading raw disk data are also explained.
Table of contents
Foundational ConceptsMBR & GPT: The Blueprints of Your DiskWhat if MBR?Get SAFAL GAUTAM ’s stories in your inboxWhat if GPT?The Full Boot Chain at a GlanceWhy This Knowledge MattersSort: