NTOSKRNL.EXE missing in w2k workstation

[TechnoGeek]

Stats: W2K Server Workstation.

Error: Missing or Corrupt C:\Winnt\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe when booting workstation.

Problem: 1. Tried copying missing file to floppy, but file to large for floppy. 2. Copied file to CD rom, but unable to utilize CDROM because I booted the server workstation from a W2K Server CD to access the Repair Console to copy the file over, but of course, I can't take the W2K Server CD out to copy the file from the other CD and... also tried copying the file directly from the W2K Server CD, but it tells me it can't find the file. However, I see the file right there under the I386 directory so how come I can't copy it. Maybe you can inform me of the correct copy command syntax 'cause I ain't gettin' no where with "copy D:\ ntoskrnl.exe c:\winnt\system32\ ". 3. Tried the same thing, but with Winternals ERD as my boot cd, but this doesn't even have the NTOSKRNL.exe file and trying to remove the cd to use the other cd with the cd that has the copy of the file doesn't work either. So, could someone tell me what the heck I am doing wrong. I know it's something probably really simple and I'm going to feel like a nutcase when I get the answer, but that's ok...at least for now...cause I gotta get this server up and running asap.

Thanks Bunches!

[ngc4414]

i had the same problem with windows xp pro

i loaded xp to another hd, and then formated another hd with fat32

i put Ntoskrnl on the fat32 drive

then i put the damaged xp hd and the fat32 hd in the computer

i booted off the xp cd and went to the Repair Console and copyed the file

bada-BOOM! all done!!

[CeeBee]

Or boot from the CD into Repair Console and copy the file from the CD...

[Rifleman @ Layman's PC]

And whatever you get done, run a AV scanner on it. I run Activescan and Housecall on systems that there is a posibility that the local AV scanner has been disabled by a virus. Both of those are free, online scanners.

[TechnoGeek]

Or boot from the CD into Repair Console and copy the file from the CD...

CeeCee, that is part of the problem. I have already booted from the CD into Repair Console, however once your in the repair console mode the cd device will not allow you to remove the W2K CD. Therefore, I cannot put the file I copied onto CD in the CD rom drive.

[TechnoGeek]

i had the same problem with windows xp pro

i loaded xp to another hd, and then formated another hd with fat32

i put Ntoskrnl on the fat32 drive

then i put the damaged xp hd and the fat32 hd in the computer

i booted off the xp cd and went to the Repair Console and copyed the file

bada-BOOM! all done!!

Man! I gotta go through all that just to copy a system file. Hmmm!?! Well, if that's what I gotta do guess I don't have any choice but to do it. What a bummer. Thanks for the workaround though.

[CeeBee]

You should have another copy in c:\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\
delete the bad one and copy from that location.

Or once you are in the recovery console do:
d:
cd i386
expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\winnt\system32

ntoskrnl.ex_ is the compressed ntoskrnl.exe

[TechnoGeek]

You should have another copy in c:\winnt\servicepackfiles\i386\
delete the bad one and copy from that location.

Or once you are in the recovery console do:
d:
cd i386
expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\winnt\system32

ntoskrnl.ex_ is the compressed ntoskrnl.exe

CeeBee,

You are da' bomb! Much thanks for that workaround.

[CeeBee]

You're welcome!

[houseisland]

Sometimes the ntoskernel error happens when a partition has been resized, sometimes immediately after the resizing, sometimes later when major patches or service packs are applied. In one location I have a very old lightly used mail server that I have to look after (NT 4 with Exchange 5.5) which has been moved from hardware platform to hardware platform an number of times. The original 2 Gb NTFS partition is now up to 40 Gb. It is quite common to encounter the ntoskernel error after applying large patches on this box. I find that simply Ghosting the array (mirror) onto another drive will usually resolve the problem. I can usually boot to the Ghosted drive without a problem. Then after booting, I shut the system down and Ghost back to the array and everything is fine.

[gerf]

I know this thread is old, but i'm having this problem with a friend's computer. I tried putting in a new, larger stick of RAM in his old box, this 1999 Gateway 450p3. Anyway, the mobo's been half dying for a while already, and i finally figured out a configuration that would let me even get into the recovery console, and i did the expeand d:\i.... and it replaced the old "corrupt" file.

I still get the error.

This box has one IDE channel gone, fried, toast. It has trouble with the remaining one. Has anyone found another way to fiix this problem? Are there other things that could need replaced, or another way I could do this? I think he's getting pissed at me, as the boxed worked decently (for what it was... 96 megs of ram) before. BTW, it's a win98 to win2k update, and it's had many viruses before that i thought were cleaned.

[NooNoo]

If the ide channel is toast and the other is in trouble then ALL data will corrupt. Stick and ide pci controller in there.

[CeeBee]

If the ide channel is toast and the other is in trouble then ALL data will corrupt. Stick and ide pci controller in there.

Or add $10 more to the price of an IDE controller and get another mobo on ebay or from a 2nd hand shop. Chances are that not only the IDE controller is bad, but the whole southbridge is failing.

[gerf]

I just formatted, barely got it working. This computer is on its last leg, for sure, but is servicable for the user's needs: Aim, email, fark.com, starcraft and porn. Yes, porn, and lots of it.

He won't spend anything on it, plans on just getting a new system when HL2 anyway, so he can play that. Of course he's too broke to afford that right now, but flies out to D.C. to visit a chick, blow 500 bones going clubbing. Strange priorities...