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Issue:
NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt.
Related errors:
Below is a listing of the full error message that may be related to this error.
Windows NT could not start because the below file is missing or corrupt:
C:\Winnt\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe
Cause:
1. Keyboard issue
2. Miscellaneous corruption
3. Corrupt boot.ini file.
4. Missing boot.ini file.
5. Missing or corrupt ntoskrnl.exe file.
6. Windows NT installed on a partition bigger then 7.8GB
7. Corrupted hard disk drive or severely corrupted Windows.
Solution:
Keyboard issue
This issue has also been known to be caused by a short in the ground wire in the
keyboard cable. Make sure this is not the cause of your error by replacing the keyboard
with a different keyboard or simply just disconnecting the keyboard from the computer.
Miscellaneous corruption
Before trying any of the below recommendations it's recommend that you attempt to load
the last known good configuration. Additional information about doing this can be found
on document CH000626.
This issue is often caused when the boot.ini is missing or improperly configured. This
issue often arises after a user has recently added or removed an operating system on the
computer or added or removed hard disk drives in the computer.
Make sure the line pointing to the operating system and it's drive and partition is properly
configured in the [boot loader] and [operating systems] section. Additional information
about boot.ini can be found on document CH000492.
If the boot.ini is severely corrupted or missing a user running Microsoft Windows XP can
rebuild the boot.ini to resolve this issue. Additional information about rebuilding the
boot.ini can be found on document CH000648.
To restore the original boot.ini file in Microsoft Windows NT or Windows 2000 you will
need an ERD and follow the below steps. If you do not have an ERD you will be unable
to follow these steps.
1. Boot the computer with your Windows NT three setup diskettes or the Windows
2000 setup disc.
2. In the setup menu, type R to start the repair.
3. When prompted for the ERD diskette insert the diskette and inspect the startup
environment.
If the ntoskrnl.exe file is corrupt or missing this can also generate the error. To restore
this file follow the below steps.
OS Loader v4.01
Disk I/O error status=00000001
Windows NT could not start because the below file is missing or corrupt:
winnt\system32\Ntoskrnl.exe
Please reinstall a copy of the above file.
If your system partition is larger than 7.8GB you will need to delete the partition and
recreate the partition to 7.8GB or less. Additional information about this issue can be
found on Microsoft KB Q224526.
Attempt to check the hard disk drive for any errors by running the chkdsk error. To do
this follow the below steps.
If after trying all of the above steps you are still encountering the same issue it's likely
that Windows is severely corrupted and it is recommended you attempt to reinstall
Windows. Additional information about erasing the computer and starting over can be
found on document CH000186.
Finally, if during the Windows installation you encounter errors it's likely that your hard
disk drive is bad.