When the need arises to "restart" XP I usually have to re-boot by powering down totally and starting. When I try to use the "restart" option which use to work I get a black screen which says, ("windows could not start because of the following missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\nto\skrnl.exe please reinstall a copy of the file". My question is how do I do that? I've looked on the XP CD and cannot find this file, I even tried using MS-DOS to find it in the directory. What can I do aside from re-formatting?

Try running sfc /scannow in the RUN box - this will check/replace any missing/corrupted files on ur system (have ur XP disk in the drive). Hope this helps

Try these methods , one should work . Repair XP http://sft-cyber.com/Re%20Win.htm http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm http://www.theeldergeek.com/repairing_windows_xp.htm Sometimes a program, bad driver or conflicts that destroy or corrupt files will necessitate a reinstallation. WinXP will replace damaged or corrupted files without disturbing your data or registry settings so that these will still be available to you. 1. Boot from the WinXP CD 2. Select set up WinXP(ENTER) 3. Windows will find an existing copy of itself and give you the option to repair the highlighted installation 4. WinXP will copy the necessary files to your HD and install ============================== Click Start and then click Run . In the Open box, type sfc /scannow , and then click OK . Note that you may be prompted to insert the Windows XP installation CD-ROM.

Okay, I did all of the possible solutions in this posting and nada. The first time it gave me a "windows could not start because of an error in the software. Please report this Problem as: load needed Dlls for HAL. 530-5550". And then on other tries it says "windows could not start because of the following missing of corrupt: Please reinstall a copy of file <windows roo> \system32\ntoskrnl.exe". I have to switch off and disconnect the power for a minute and then it will reboot. I've had to do this since I got XP. I couln't find the files and worse I am not sure how to import them.

Reinstall XP and keep all your current installed applications and settings . http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/winnt32.asp