I am using Windows XP Pro SP1. When I rebooted my computer it went through the usual memory check but later I got a black screen with the following message. "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: /system32/ntoskrnl.exe Please re-install a copy of the above file" Could someone help me because I could not boot it from my CDROM drive even when I changed boot drive to CDROM. I used another computer and went to www.bootdisk.com to download the windows xp pro startup disk (winxpsp1_en_pro_bf.exe) from Microsoft is 4.3MB, but I cannot download because the size is too big to fit in a diskette. If anyone knows how to resolve this problem I'll appreciate your suggestions. Thanks

There are six disks in the boot up set so you need to install the complete file from M$: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q310994

I had the same problem. I tried copying the file from the system32 folder from a working install. However, I later found out that my son had accidentally shorted out the mouse, which was slowly causing a fault on the MB. Try copying the file, if you can. Otherwise, you might need a new MB.

Hi, Thanks for your suggestion. I have successfully downloaded the above files into six setup boot disks. After I rebooted, the computer gave me three optios. One of the options is to install Windows Xp Pro again. Before I proceed though, I want to know whether I will lose my data files, pictures and email in Outlook Express if I reintall Windows XP again. I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks a lot.

If you reinstall with a quick format, complete format or install over current files... you will loose all info and start out clean. I would try the repair scenerio. Once you can boot from the CD, select the install windows option (enter key) then F8 to accept the license agreement. Then select the Repair windows (R key I think)... Then let it do it's thing. That should fix it.

My buddy gave me the following advice when I ask told him about the ntoskrnl.exe file missing. Does his advice makes sense? By the way, is the recovery disk the same as the set of six setup boot disks I downloaded before? Thanks "That sounds bad. There's not really a quick fix that I'm aware of. Do you have an actual microsoft windows xp cd or is it a recovery disk supplied by your computer manufacturer? If it's an xp cd then reinstalling windows on top of your existing installation is quickest; if it's a recovery cd then don't use it... it will completely wipe out your data. I'm not available at all this week to have a look at it if that's the case, but I can get one of my colleagues to come over if you'd like."

Go ahead and follow my instructions IF you have the XP disc. An upgrade disk will wipe everything out. It is not as bad as you think. The disk, is a windows 98SE recovery disk. You can download what you need from microsoft's pages. Just do a search on here. Basically try the repair install. It should work just fine. Mike