Computer won't start up!!

[stoory]

My computer is failing to start up and despite attempting to use the Recovery CD ROM (which I think Windows XP came on) ig ives me the following message everytime: Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: lsystem32\ntoskrnl.exe Any ideas??

[stoory]

the file should read < windows root> lsystem32\ntoskrnl.exe NB if this looks the same as above it should have 'windows root' with arrows either side.

[kingbob]

can't you do a roll back on the bio's just press esc when your computer starts up, and that will take you to the bio's menu and then find the option, to start up windows on the last know working configartion, it works for me,

[OBonio]

If it's not booting from the CD, then either the CD is corrupt or (hopefully!) your boot sequence isn't setup in the BIOS to look at the CD before your C drive. Boot sequence should usually be something like A, CDROM, C. As there are lots of different BIOS out there, I couldn't tell you exactly how to change it though it's usually something like pressing F2 or <Del&mt; on startup then going into CMOS or BIOS settings.

[stoory]

no unfortunately it goes straight to that error message no matter what i press. :-(

[dodgyshirt]

As soon as you turn the PC on, keep hitting the `delete'key until the BIOS page appears.Allowing for different BIOS designs you will probably find the boot sequence under `Advanced Bios Settings' where it should be in the order A, C, CDRom. Following the instructions at the bottom of the BIOS page, change the sequence to A, CDRom, C.insert your XP Recovery disk in the drive and exit the BIOS saving the changes, usually F10. Your PC should then boot up from the CDRom and recover your Windows installation.
If successful, remember to re-enter the Bios and change the boot sequence back.

[andys15]

copy the file from another XP machine and start it up in dos (f8 b4 the bootup screen apears) and then simple copy the file say fromt he flopy drive to where it says its mising or corrupted

[stoory]

thanks guys... not sure who i could get the XP file from.... is there a site from which i can download the file??

[dodgyshirt]

You can`t start up in DOS in XP, pressing the F8 key will simply bring up a quick method of temporarily changing the boot sequence on some motherboards. Ignore the advice from andys15 and do a recovery as I outlined.

[stoory]

thanks dodgyshirt...have tried that but afraid it doesn't react and goes straight to the error screen everytime no matter how i try to snap it out of it! DOH!

[dodgyshirt]

Are you saying you can`t even get into the BIOS as that is impossible. You must be able to get into it even if you haven`t got an Operating System installed on your PC.Are you hitting the delete key or alternatively the F8 key repeatedly AS SOON AS YOU TURN THE PC ON.