Hi when I startup win95 normally, it gives this error message "While initiallizing device shell cannot find or load krnl386.exe." Windows 95 can start up in safe mode fine. I have read every thread on this fourm about this and cannot seem to find an answer for this. Please help.

Sounds like a lot of reading. First hit on Google - it's for 98, but may be applicable Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience

That doesn't work but thanks anyway. Need help.

Not one I've had to deal with (fortunately) but for what it's worth... A long shot... perhaps a re-install '95 to its current folder; it may resolve it all?

No I already reinstalled win95, it gives me the same error. Only after installation it gives me the blue screen of death saying that it cannot write to drive c. When I reboot it it gives me the error about krnl386.

My initial thought ws that the problem may be due to RAM. - so often overlooked for all M$ OS... '95 being the first of the '9x family to show up a pickyness about RAM, '98 is similarly picky... One or more RAM sticks may be failing (albeit slowly...). If two or more sticks installed, try each single stick in turn; likewise a known good stick? I did a trawl using: cannot find or load krnl386.exe as the string; came up with a few ideas - you may have already explored all of these?? *********** The quote below is from a post by "Sampson" at: http://www.ntcompatible.com/thread28051-1.html "...This problem comes up for the most part when there is either a hardware misconfigurement, an IRQ conflict, or the Bios does not support your hardware..." Safe-mode\Device manager should show if any irq conflicts; bios "may" need an update (though if it was all OK previously I doubt a bios update is the answer...?). Also "geezer" at the following location offers a useful/possible resolution - providing that RAM is not the issue??? http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/printthread.php?t=13264 Incidentally from one source - the link doesn't open unfortunately, but the google summary included the key bit - Select "Safe-Mode Command Prompt" At the prompt, type 'dir c:\krnl386.exe /s' and then press ENTER Don't know if it will resolve it but can't hurt to try...? and this during the same trawl.... http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;70467 Worst case solution, rename current windows folder to something else (write it down...), also rename win.com (if need-be); then see if you can get a second copy to go in as perhaps win-95 (or something similar) - you can change the proffered default folder name during setup. It may work. Also ensure that any virus util is disabled in bios area (especially) during any setup routine... Ensure that any boot-flopy you use is truly clear of possible virus infection(s); lock the floppy once you are sure it's clean. Strangely this error seems to be mostly a '98 and later issue; although the last (M$) link I posted above does include a reference to win3x/'95 as well... If/when you resolve this problem perhaps you will post back with how etc. Useful info. for all to have for future reference?

Thanks for the info trvlr. I tried the first 3 suggestions and it didn't seem like it was any of those. Using google cache I was able to read the unusable link which was saying: "Hit F8 before blue Windows logo screen to bring up menu. Select "Safe-Mode Command Prompt" At the prompt, type 'dir c:\krnl386.exe /s' <ENTER> (without quotes) Did it find the file? Type 'ver' <ENTER> (without quotes) at the prompt What version of Win95 do you have " and "Boot to a command prompt and copy the krnl386.exe to your c:\windows folder" This didn't help me either. The fourth suggestion I didn't try because I don't think I have win386.exe. The fifth seggestion I also didn't do because when you are saying get a second copy... do you mean a second copy of windows or a second copy of those files? Thanks for your help but I still neeed a little more help and suggestions. Please respond.