File \1386\ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded.??? 1

[aich69]

Briefly...as this problem goes on....

While trying to do a clean install of XP Pro (genuine copy!) on an HP Laptop I get this error just after booting from the XP CD. Can anyone shed any light? Googled the error and it returned only 4 results! 3 of which weren't related and 1 which had no reply to the same question.

This is the error that is returned when starting installation:

"File \i386\ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded. The error code is 7. Setup cannot continue. Press any key to restart."

Thinking it may be the cd drive or the XP disk I have tried booting from floppy, an external CD drive etc... it still comes back with the same error.

Rapidly loosing hair...any help muchly appreciated.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

I think I am close.you'll have to fine tune exactlly what configuration you have to these results.

http://support.microsoft.com/search...ess+any+key+to+restart.&adv=&mode=s&cat=False

Tom

 

[aich69]

Thanks Tom,

I can see where you are coming from but I can't see anything there that gives me a way forward. The only one that comes close is in relation to Setupdd.sys.

Having a full backup of this machine etc I have formatted the HD (as the original problem that led to this issue was virus related that corrupted core system files). This has to be the 100+ time I have done a clean install and never seen this issue before. I can't help thinking it's a hardware issue but really am at a complete loss.

Thanks for putting in the research time. Think I will have to do a little more myself.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

If you are preapred to start from scratch, truely do so. Go get gdisk or another wiper and "clean" that drive, then lay your OS

Tom

 

[aich69]

...oddly enough, have done that too. didn't mention initially as this problem has had me on the go all day and I could write an essay on the steps I have taken, last of which was to run a 'disk wiper' bootable disk... still got the same error when trying a clean install....

machine is still under extended warranty so may have to take that route.... hate to be beaten though.

H

 

[gpalmer711]

I've seen this error before with a faulty CD/DVD drive or a faulty/scratched CD/DVD.

Microsoft also list some other possibilities here

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318729

If you need to test your ram see

http://www.memtest86.com

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[aich69]

Thanks Greg,

Have been thinking along the faulty hardware lines as mentioned earlier...this has just spurred me into action..

may laptop has same dvd drive, going to try a swap and see if that works...

If I ever get to the bottom of this I will post the fix.

Cheers

H

 

[linney]

ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded, the error code is 7
thread779-477723

File \ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded.
thread779-485504

What is the history of this laptop, what operating system has it previously had loaded on it, does it have hidden recovery partitions?



Reinstalling XP Home on Laptop
thread779-1210661

Wiping Out Special "Recovery" Partitions, Pt. 1

http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-02-06.htm

http://www.russelltexas.com/delpart.htm

 

[aich69]

Hey linney... come to the rescue yet again.

It's a year old HP laptop, came pre-installed with XP Pro. Not sure about hidden recovery partition as I haven't been able to get into it to that degree. Recovery media however is an HP branded XP Pro disk, bootable, so guessing no hidden partition. The HD has been wiped and formatted so if it did have a hidden partition, it hasn't now...still can't do clean install.

Only thing left to check is the RAM, all other hardware checked, DVD-rw etc. Memtest is currently checking RAM.
Will post back with result when that is done.

The links were spot on, been searching MS all day and not found them at all. Good work!

 

[aich69]

Update....

After testing RAM, DVD-RW and HDD, and attempting every way of installing from bootable floppy to external CD drive, the laptop has gone to the extended warranty people who confirmed it must be a mobo/RAM fault from the error message mentioned previously....my guess being mobo as the RAM tested ok.

Looks like they'll be shipping a replacement.

Thanks for the input everyone...