ntoskrnl.exe corrupt

[TarsierSpectral]

I got a message saying:
"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.

So, I booted from WinXP cd went to recovery console and tried to copy the file. I got either "access denied" message or "the file could not be copied"

anyone has any ideas what else I can try?

thanks

 

[linney]

See if this covers your situation?

314477 - Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because of a Computer Disk Hardware Configuration

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314477

How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP (Q314079)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q314/0/79.asp

Q305595 - HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/5/95.asp

 

[TarsierSpectral]

no sorry, that's not it

 

[captaincrunch00]

This is what I do and it works for me, I've fixed this 2 or 3 times by doing method 3 from that link that was posted above:

1. Start the computer by using your Windows XP CD-ROM. Press any key to boot from the CD.
2. After the setup files are finished loading press R to repair using Recovery Console.
3. When you are in the recovery console, select the installation to log on to (usually number 1), and then press ENTER.
4. Login to the Administrator account by typing the password for this account, and then press ENTER.
5. At the recovery console command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

For Uni-Processor systems:
expand cd-rom:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ drive:\Windows\system32
For Multi-Processor systems:
expand cd-rom:\i386\ntkrnlmp.ex_ drive:\Windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe

Cd-rom is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive, and drive is the drive letter of the hard disk on which windows is installed.
6. If you receive a prompt to overwrite the file, press Y.
7. Type exit, and press ENTER at the command prompt.

 

[linney]

I assume you have run ChkDsk /r from the Recovery Console.

The hard drive manufacturer will have free diagnostic software to thoroughly check the condition of your drive that is self bootable.

Similar self booting software can check your RAM.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

You might be able to make use of BartPE and get away from the Windows environment (even more so than the Recovery Console) and have better luck copy files.

Cannot logon to winxp...losing lots of valuable documents
thread779-975236

I also suppose you can't boot into Safe Mode, or use the last known good configuration option?

Shame that first link didn't work as it usually does for that error, anyway try "captaincrunch00's" slant on the article and see how you go.

If not then you are getting into this area -

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[TarsierSpectral]

what does it mean "3. When you are in the recovery console, select the installation to log on to (usually number 1), and then press ENTER."?

Am I supposed to type number 1 at the C: prompt and hit Enter?

 

[TarsierSpectral]

it never asks me anywhere to login as an administrator and I keep getting a message "Access is denied" when I type the command expand C:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ D:\Windows\system32

 

[captaincrunch00]

That is because your C drive is your hard drive, and your D drive is your CD Rom (most likely).

The command you'd want to run is:

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


To your other question, when it says 3. Enter the installation number...
Usually when you get into the recovery console it asks you what installation you want to work on, there is usually a list of your installs up top. Most of the time it's just 1, but if you have XP installed 4 times it would list all 4 and you would have to choose the one you wanted.
It may not ask you to do that if you only have one install.

 

[captaincrunch00]

Err, my command is wrong.

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

is correct

That expands it FROM the D drive (which I am assuming is your CD Drive, if it's not you can change it to whatever letter is your CD Drive) and puts the file in your C drive which again I am assuming is your windows installation drive.

 

[TarsierSpectral]

when I run expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
I get a message "Access is denied."

When I get to recovery console it never asks me what installation I want to work on. There is no list of installations. I just get C:\ prompt

 

[linney]

Maybe the Recovery Console options have been adjusted via Group Policy or Registry settings?

How to enable an administrator to log on automatically in Recovery Console

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312149#appliesto

Automatic Administrative Logon to Recovery Console

http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/1289/

How to add more power to Recovery Console by using Group Policy in Windows XP Professional

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310497#top

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

"The password is not valid" error message appears when you log on to Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308402/EN-US/#appliesto