Cannot Boot W2K

[hutty]

Hi,
I have a problem where I cannot get Windows 2000 to bootup. I was using the computer and it restarted on its own, but would not start windows. I get the error message cannot locate ntskrnl.exe file. I have tried the repair option, but to no avail. The recovery console does not give me an option of operating systems to choose from. I have tried booting from CD and boot disks.
I tried copying the ntskrnl.ex_ file to the c:\winnt\system32 folder while in DOS, but get the error "access is denied". I can see the WINNT folder on the c: drive, but it has _ _a where other folders have _ _d.

I created a new boot.ini file and replaced the old one. I did notice that the boot.ini is not hidden anymore as I can see it from dos. I tried a re-installation of w2k on the same partition, but it would not let me install.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[wolluf]

I tried a re-installation of w2k on the same partition, but it would not let me install.

What happened?

Have you run chkdsk /p on the partition (from recovery console)?

Is it fat32 or ntfs filestore? (sounds like fat32 if you are accessing from dos).

 

[hutty]

I ran chkdsk a few times, but it never completely finish. Midway it says there are errors that are unrecoverable.

I have not added anything recently to the hard drive. I did uninstall quite a few programs to create more space on the hard drive hours before it crashed.

Error does say "cannot find ntskrnl.exe file. it may be corrupted".

I was on the computer and it just all of sudden re-booted on its own. Haven't been able to get in since. I can boot from CD. Non recovery console is present. Usually you would get a choice of OS to choose from, but nothing shows up but the C:>.

Thanks.

 

[wolluf]

chkdsk not completing is not a good sign - often means drive is dying. Download the drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility from their website and check out status of drive. If it comes up as failing or similar, you need to recover what data you can and then replace it. If diagnostic says its ok - it may also perform repair (which may allow chkdsk to run to conclusion) - but you still can't chkdsk/run 2k, you'll also need to retrieve what data you can - but should be able to reformat it and reinstall.

 

[hutty]

I did not get a chance to look at it last night, but will try to salvage data somehow. It won't boot so that I can download from mfg site. Thanks for your help.

 

[wolluf]

You can download the diagnostic from machine you are using - they've all got versions that run from bootable floppy or CD.

 

[hutty]

I finally took the hard drive out and installed as a second drive in another PC. Apparently, there is no "WINNT" or "Program Files" folder. There is a "WINNT" file that is about 1.6mb. I am able to copy what files are left on the drive. I will reformat and hopefully be able to use the drive as it. Thanks for the replies.