missing ntoskrnl.exe

Hello.. I am getting the following message when booting.
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\system32\ntoskrnl.exe.
Please re-install a copy of the above file.

Can someone please help me.. I tried recovery, safe mode, but not working. Unfortunally i do not have any cd. The system is winxp home sp3. I have one cd called operating system resintallation cd microsoft windows xp professional including service pack 2. Can i use that one???? Please advice.

P.S. My main concern is not to loose my documents and pictures. It is very important for me to save them. It there a way to copy or save them.

So far does not have access to any media such as cd or dv or floppy.
thanks in advance for your help.
Marcia :cry

 

Missing or corrupt ntoskrnl.exe file

If the ntoskrnl.exe file is corrupt or missing this can also generate the error. To restore this file follow the below steps.

1. Insert 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 resolve your issue.
2. Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should see 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 wish to fix, and then enter the administrator password.
5. Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
6. You will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the file type Y and press enter to overwrite the file.
7. Type exit to reboot the computer.

copied from http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000646.htm

 

Thank you very much Mimon for getting back to me so soon. I'll will keep trying everything . As a mentioned to you before i am looking for a way to copy my documents and pictures to a cd but unfortunally do not have access to either. Do you know a way to retrieve my files and pictures to a cd.
Please advice.
thanks Mgalvez1 :cry

 

if you can access another computer you can save your files
http://www.dtidata.com/resourcecenter/2007/04/23/how-to-slave-hard-drive/

 

Hi Plodr,
I had try last known configuration, safe mode, restore to previous point and nothing at all. My main concern is to get my pc to work but not to lose my pictures and documents.
Please advice.
Thanks for all your help.
Mgalvez1

 

Hi Mimon.
I would try to see if can do the job, but do you think that there is an easy way to fix my pc without losing pctures and documents.
Once more thank you for your help
Regards,
Mgalvez1

 

if you can borrow an original windows "Xp home"CD, and have your product key #,the use can use any of these methods,without slaving the HDD or losing your files.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

 

Hi Mimon,

thanks once more for replying so soon.
About borrowing a cd. i do not know anyone that i can borrow cd from. The only cd that i have with me is resintallation cd.. microsoft indows xp professional including service pack 2. Not sure if i can use that cd without losing my pictures or documents.

What about using an usb cable to connect this pc to a good pc with same window xp home system. Please advice.

Thanks again
Mgalvez1

 

It is fine. The kernel files are the same on all copies of windows xp. pro home sp 1 2 or 3

And last known good config is only for hardware changes. Nothing to do with software.
And none of the options will boot it, because they all need the kernel.

 

Hi Zdawa32,
can i really use the reintallation cd for windows xp professional even though the os on the problem pc has window xp home service pack 3. can you please tell me steps to fix without loosing data. Sorry to keep verifying info but i am new to this and want to make sure everything goes without a problem. thanks again.
mgalvez1

 

Yes, it is fine. As long as it is some version of Windows XP, it will work.
Pretty much, the only difference between XP and Home is networking, and price
You'll be fine if you do what mimon said to.

 

you can use an OEM XP Pro or Home, "retail" XP Home or Pro full or upgrade version CD of the same version Home or Pro to perform a Repair Install.
not a factory shipped "system recovery version" (like a Dell or Hp or emachine) re-read post#2 ,And link to that website.