Err Msg: Windows NT Could Not Start...Ntoskrnl.exe

 Last reviewed: February 4, 1998
Article ID: Q124550

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Windows NT, you receive the following error message: 

   Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing or
   corrupt:

      <winnt root>\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe

   Please re-install a copy of the above file.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if any of the following conditions exist:

  • The Default value in the [Boot Loader] section of the Boot.ini file is missing or invalid.
  • Windows NT is not installed in the location specified in the Boot.ini file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1

Edit the Boot.ini file to restore or correct the Default entry and to ensure that the other entries in the [Operating Systems] section of the Boot.ini file point to the appropriate directories.

Method 2

Use the repair process to correct inconsistencies in the Boot.ini file. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Start your computer using the three Windows NT Setup diskettes. When prompted, type R to begin the repair process.

  2. Insert the Emergency Repair Disk (ERD) in the floppy drive when you are prompted.

  3. When prompted, enable only the Inspect Startup Environment option to correct inconsistencies in the Boot.ini file.

  4. Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the repair process.

MORE INFORMATION

If the Default value in the [Boot Loader] section of the Boot.ini file is missing, Windows NT displays a new entry in the OS Loader (boot loader) menu named "NT (default)" and defaults to the new entry. The "NT (default)" entry points to the following path to load Windows NT: 

   multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
For additional information about the Boot.ini file, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

   ARTICLE-ID: Q102873
   TITLE     : BOOT.INI and ARC Path Naming Conventions and Usage

Additional query words: 3.50 3.51 4.00
Keywords : ntboot kberrmsg kbfaq
Version : 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : winnt

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: February 4, 1998
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.