<windows root> System32\NTOSKRNL.EXE missing or corrupt

I have had my Dell computer for about a month. When I boot up I get a
message saying that I can't boot up because <windows root>
System32\NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt. I get the same thing for
system32\DRIVERS NTFS.SYS.

I have worked with Dell to get this resolved without success. I have gone
to the recovery console to try to fix this problem without success. If I try
booting up after getting these messages I am able to so after about 3 trys.
This is a NEW computer and I have been having this trouble since I bought it.
I don't want to lose my data because I have already entered it 3 times.

HELP

Larry

I would assume a new computer would be under Warranty and if you've been having
trouble ever since you've had the computer, then Dell should fix it.

Anyway for your information if it is of assistance?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314477
Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because of a Computer Disk Hardware
Configuration Problem

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;822800
"Missing or corrupt Ntfs.sys" error message when you restart Windows XP after you
convert your hard disk to the NTFS file system

The original question was asking about what to do when you receive this
message: "<windows root>
System32\NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt." It appears that you gave
information on how to solve the "system32\DRIVERS NTFS.SYS" message.
does the instructions/websites you gave apply to both system messages?

I have also received this message mysteriously last night. It was working
fine yesterday morning, when i returned home that evening i got this message.
I will have to try this method tonight and i'll let you know if it works
tomorrow.

[AnAgile]

The latest Quick Heal Antivirus detects ntoskrnl.exe as a trojan and deletes it automatically for you. Once i rebooted, i realized that it is an operating system file and that windows requires it for it boot.

To fix it, just put in your original XP CD, select "R" at the recovery console, and cd to the i386 folder of the XP cd.

E:\i386\copy ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe

this should fix it most probably. If it doesnt add another line.
E:\i386\copy pci.sy_ c:\windows\system32\drivers\pci.sys

Hope this helps

[dener]

I am having the same problem but it will not let me boot windows so that it will pick up the windows cd. Keeps going to a black screen telling me to start windows in safe mode but tries then goes back to the black screen.. Even when I tell it to boot from cdrom....back to black screen....

Help....please

[memphisrei]

I tried AnAgile suggestion and keyed in the command below in the recovery console but the message came back:

The command is not recognized. Type HELP for a list of supported commands.

Has anyone else had luck reinstalling the ntoskrnl.exe file from recovery console?

HELP!!!

Originally Posted by AnAgile

The latest Quick Heal Antivirus detects ntoskrnl.exe as a trojan and deletes it automatically for you. Once i rebooted, i realized that it is an operating system file and that windows requires it for it boot.

To fix it, just put in your original XP CD, select "R" at the recovery console, and cd to the i386 folder of the XP cd.

E:\i386\copy ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe

this should fix it most probably. If it doesnt add another line.
E:\i386\copy pci.sy_ c:\windows\system32\drivers\pci.sys

Hope this helps

[Alondra]

If the ntoskrnl.exe file is distorted or missing this can also produce the error. To restore this file pursue the beneath steps.

1. Place in the Microsoft Windows XP CD. Note: If you have a recovery CD or a restore CD and not a Microsoft Windows XP CD it is likely the below steps will not tenacity your concern.
2. Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should notice a message to press any key to boot from the CD. When you see this message press any key.
3. In the Microsoft Windows XP setup menu press the R key to enter the recovery console.
4. Select the operating system you desire to repair, and then enter the administrator password.
5. Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
6. You will then be prompted if you desire to overwrite the file type Y and press enter to overwrite the file.
7. Type exit to reboot the computer.

[memphisrei]

Alondra, thank you for the reply. When I type the expand command ACCESS DENIED. The recovery console never asks for an admin password so that may be an issue. When I press R on the blue screen for recovery it goes straight in the black dos screen with the C promt. I am never asked for any passwords.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

[Alondra]

If you are not getting it work with the issue of yours then i will advise you to repair the Windows. On the first screen of the installation of Windows XP just hit enter for fresh installation. Hit F8 to accept the agreement of Microsoft. Now Press R to repair the Windows. So if you can then go through the same and see whether this is working for you or not.

[fredie121]

Originally Posted by Alondra

If you are not getting it work with the issue of yours then i will advise you to repair the Windows. On the first screen of the installation of Windows XP just hit enter for fresh installation. Hit F8 to accept the agreement of Microsoft. Now Press R to repair the Windows. So if you can then go through the same and see whether this is working for you or not.

Had the same issue as mentioned in the title. This suggestion did the trick for me

[megamage]

Hi everyone, i have a compac netbook and i have what appears to be the same problem. When i open my netbook ut says: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe. Please re-install a copy of the above file."

Originally Posted by Alondra

If you are not getting it work with the issue of yours then i will advise you to repair the Windows. On the first screen of the installation of Windows XP just hit enter for fresh installation. Hit F8 to accept the agreement of Microsoft. Now Press R to repair the Windows. So if you can then go through the same and see whether this is working for you or not.

I tried this but i can't get to this step, when i boot from windows cd it starts windows setup, but then says Setup is starting windows, then i get this: A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps: check for virus on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer. Technical information: *** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF7A22524, 0XC0000034, 0X00000000, 0X00000000)"

Please, can someone help.

[fredie121]

Originally Posted by megamage

Hi everyone, i have a compac netbook and i have what appears to be the same problem. When i open my netbook ut says: "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe. Please re-install a copy of the above file."



I tried this but i can't get to this step, when i boot from windows cd it starts windows setup, but then says Setup is starting windows, then i get this: A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps: check for virus on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer. Technical information: *** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF7A22524, 0XC0000034, 0X00000000, 0X00000000)"

Please, can someone help.

Are you getting the prompt "Press any key to boot CD/DVD" or similar?

[megamage]

Originally Posted by fredie121

Are you getting the prompt "Press any key to boot CD/DVD" or similar?

Yes, then i press any key and then windows setup starts, its a blue screen and its loading some files.