Win2k can't start...missing/corrupt file. \System32\ Ntoskrnl.exe.

[vanillawafer]

Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: <winnt root>\System32\ Ntoskrnl.exe.

This is the message that I am getting when trying to start windows 2000. I have been to Microsoft's knowledgebase and the info that comes up is for an IBM Machine.

I have run the repair disk, that didn't work.

Does anyone know exactly what to do here?

HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wolluf]

'I have run the repair disk' - what do you mean by this? (2k has 3 'repair' options. Two involve booting from 2k install CD and choosing repair - then get option of repair using recovery console or using an Emergency Recovery Disk (ERD). The other involves booting from 2k install CD and choosing new install - then it should offer to repair (this is a repair reinstall - leaves data, apps, settings intact, loses windows updates).

Suggestion. Get into recovery console and run chkdsk. Also check that ntoskrnl.exe is present in \winnt\system32.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;229716.

You could also try replacing ntoskrnl in recovery console. If you have a service pack installed, should be one here C:\WINNT\ServicePackFiles\i386\ntoskrnl.exe. Otherwise, you can use expand command to copy the one from \i386 on the install CD.

If no good - try a repair reinstall (I'm assuming you did the other repair previously).

 

[vanillawafer]

Basically what you mentioned, on the Installation CD. I have run the repair options there.

I have never reinstalled files before so this should be pretty interesting. I have done just about everything, but not re-install specific files to make something work.

So the problem here interpreted (sp?) is what?

The easiest way to fix it is:

I will try what you have told me.

Thanks Again

 

[vanillawafer]

I thought about the copy and paste thing yesterday, however, didn't have enough time to try it. When I copy from the i386 files off the cd, where should I paste them.

In otherwords I copy e: i386... destination should be what? c: <windows 2000 root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe ??

 

[wolluf]

you'll need to use expand command, not copy (as files are compressed on CD and with last character replaced by an underscore - so ntoskrnl.exe is ntoskrnl.ex_). But yes - \winnt\system32 or %systemroot%\system32 is destination folder. But - I'd run chkdsk from recovery console first & see if it finds/fixes anything (I've seen issues like this fixed by chkdsk).

PS. You may also have a hardware issue (in which case, you may be able to fix problem, but it or something similar will probably re-occur).