Boot screen

A boot screen is often displayed by an operating system or other software to visually indicate its initial loading process. Depending on the software, the screen may include version information, a definite or indefinite progress indicator, or status messages. Many boot screens also feature the branding of the loaded software, its developer and/or distributor.

Windows 1.0 and 2.x
The boot screen was first introduced in Windows 1.0 Beta Release, with the Microsoft logo at the top being animated upon loading the system. In Windows 1.04, the boot screen was updated with a new logo, which was used by Microsoft until 2012.

Windows 3.0 and 3.1x
In Windows 3.0 build 55, the boot screen was changed to use a graphical image which can be seen in, located in the   directory. The colors would later be changed to a darker shade of purple in Windows 3.0 RC2.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
NOTE: Server 2008 R2 continued to use the boot screen from its predecessor.