PDA

View Full Version : computer help


stroker
04-05-11, 04:19 PM
My WindowsXP operating system won't load. I get an error message indicating I need to reinstall file:

System32\ntoskrnl.exe

Dunno if it's a virus or something else. I don't have a floppy port so I have to use a CD. Any suggestions?
racer2c
04-05-11, 04:23 PM
My WindowsXP operating system won't load. I get an error message indicating I need to reinstall file:

System32\ntoskrnl.exe

Dunno if it's a virus or something else. I don't have a floppy port so I have to use a CD. Any suggestions?

Can you get into safe mode? (F5 or F8 on bootup?)
KLang
04-05-11, 04:46 PM
This might help. (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000646.htm)
gerhard911
04-05-11, 06:01 PM
I have seen that kind of missing boot file message when Windows tries to start from the wrong hard drive. This would only apply if you have multiple hard drives (including any externally attached USB, eSATA or Firewire).

If so, I would boot with all of the external drives powered off. If problem remains get into the computers BIOS setup if you know how to do that and check the boot order to make sure it is correct. BIOS setup for most computers is entered by pressing Delete or F1 after the POST beep when you power it on. Some computers will display a prompt with instructions when they start the video display.

If this doesn't resolve your issue you probably have a corrupt Windows install. A repair installation may be possible or a full reinstall may be necessary, assuming the hard disk itself is still OK.
Cam
04-05-11, 08:06 PM
chkdsk /r
WickerBill
04-06-11, 09:23 AM
chkdsk /r

Dude, how's he supposed to run a command if the OS won't boot?
extramundane
04-06-11, 09:38 AM
Dude, how's he supposed to run a command if the OS won't boot?

Boot to Windows CD, choose repair, start recovery console.
WickerBill
04-06-11, 10:59 AM
Boot to Windows CD, choose repair, start recovery console.

But he didn't say that. Does he have another option?
Don Quixote
04-06-11, 11:19 AM
This might help. (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000646.htm) That's a pretty good web site.
stroker
04-06-11, 12:17 PM
I borrowed the Windows CD from a friend and followed the directions from a "help" website, but when i tried to use the Expand command the system says the file "cannot be expanded".

Now what?
gerhard911
04-06-11, 12:42 PM
My XP MCE SP2 install disk has the file you are looking for in the \I386\SP2.cab\ folder. Doesn't look like it needs to be expanded, try copying it to your C: \WINDOWS\system32 folder.
KLang
04-06-11, 01:12 PM
Looking at a CD I created from a MSDN download of XP SP3, I do see NTOSKRNL.EX_ in the I386 folder.

Stroker, did you type the underscore in the file name?
stroker
04-07-11, 10:59 AM
Looking at a CD I created from a MSDN download of XP SP3, I do see NTOSKRNL.EX_ in the I386 folder.

Stroker, did you type the underscore in the file name?

Yup.

Here's the phrase I was told to use:

expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32


from this website:

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000646.htm
SurfaceUnits
04-08-11, 04:35 PM
you can do a Repair reinstall that wont nuke your files or programs or settings

every geek or geekette should have this http://www.ubcd4win.com/
stroker
04-09-11, 06:08 PM
Tried the Repair from the disk function several times and came to the conclusion it was a bad ground on the keyboard. Tried a different keyboard with no change. Then I tried repairing a few more times and it claimed to have found a bad file. When I did that, it asked for a new name for the Operating System and some sort of "OS Option". I don't have a manual. Thoughts?

Otherwise I'll have to buy a new hard drive, load XP and try to transfer the files, I guess....
SurfaceUnits
04-10-11, 06:37 PM
How big is the harddrive; how much free space is on the drive; is there only one partition on the drive.

you can use gparted http://gparted.sourceforge.net/ to create a new partion on the drive and install XP on the new partition. Then when you boot the new install, the original XP will appear as Drive D: