How to Fix Ntoskrnl.exe Missing or Corrupt Error

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Are you seeing an error about a file in System32 called ntoskrnl.exe being missing or corrupt? This common Windows XP error might look scary, but it'll be easy to fix with this simple tutorial!

Steps

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    Before trying the steps below, you can test to fix this error by following these 2 quick tips. Do the following:
    • Boot your Windows into Last Known Good Configuration (press F8 at startup to do so)
    • Disconnect any PS/2 or serial keyboards you may have and try again.
    • If the above doesn't work, continue to the next step.
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    If you don't have your installation disk, check the Tips section below for alternatives. If you are unsure how to do this check out the Microsoft Knowledge base article ID: 314058 for a quick guide.
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    If this doesn’t work, boot into the recovery console once again and try the following:
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    \boot.ini followed by enter
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    \boot.ini followed by enter
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    When prompted for the load identifier enter the name of the installed OS, for example Microsoft Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition followed by enter
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    followed by enter
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    followed by enter and then reboot.
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    expand D:\i386\ntoskrnl.exe C:\Windows\system32 or try to run bootcfg /rebuild
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  • Question
    How do I access the recovery console?
    Community Answer
    You need a recovery disk. Ask your manufacturer for one or just get the ISO from the Windows website and put it on a CD or USB key and boot from that.
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  • Question
    What do I do if my boot critical file c:\windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe is corrupt and these steps don't correct the problem?
    Community Answer
    Reinstall Windows or insert a recovery disk to reinstall and repair the missing or corrupt files.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Video

      Tips

      • If you don't have a Windows installation disk, you need a disk that's called "recovery disk" or "repair disk". These types of disks are bootable and have Command Prompt tools installed.
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      • To do this simply boot from the operating system install disk as per booting into the recovery console but instead of selecting R for the console select Enter to set up Windows [version] now . Press F8 to accept the Windows licensing agreement and then when it has found the installation press R to start the repair.
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      Warnings

      • Running a Windows repair should be relatively safe but it is worth noting that you should read around the topic if you feel a repair is necessary.
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      References

      1. http://www.microsoft.com
      2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recovery_disc
      3. https://neosmart.net/wiki/ntoskrnl-exe-missing-corrupt/#Fix_1_Boot_into_Last_Known_Good_Configuration
      4. https://neosmart.net/blog/2012/windows-xp-system-repair-and-recovery-cds-available/

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