Windows XP VGC-VA1 : windows could not start because (missing..) <windows root>(backslash)system32 ntoskrnl.exe please reinstall a copy of the above file

[cbhu]

I had to do a few system restores back and forth because of one thing or another,then
the system would not start , simply showing this message:

windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
(backslash) system32 ntoskrnl.exe
please reinstall a copy of the above file.

I tried F5 to get the safe mode with command prompt, but after pressing enter
for the safe mode with command prompt instead I got the above message again 😞

What can I do? Can I retrieve my pc as it was without losing my c drive files?

Thanks!
Howard

[Blencogo]

Hi Howard,

You can use the Vaio Recovery Wizard to Reinstall the C:\drive but you will lose everything added to the C:\ drive since you bought the Vaio.

You need to boot into the Recovery Console by borrowing a XP Pro installation disc and boot from it. At the setup screen press R to enter the Recovery Console, which is a limited Command Prompt.

You need to copy the unused ntoskrnl.ex_ from either C:\Windows\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ or fron the XP disc F:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ (if F:\ is your DVD Drive.

[cbhu]

Hi Blencogo
😞

I have discovered (after losing everything added to C:\drive...Maybe it was my destiny to do so !
now that the Recovery Console is not the same as the Recovery Wizard.

System Recovery executed with the Wizard, me assuming it was the same as the Console , and using C:\ Drive to reinstall

Problem:
After execution there is no 'Next' button on Windows Set Up @
'Please follow the procedure below to activate your wireless keyboard"
despite my following the procedure correctly.

I re-performed System Recovery with my System Recovery disc / installation disc I kept which the VAIO manual recommended
you make after purchase but still no 'Next' button.

p.s. I tried pressing R but there was no setup screen / or response from doing so /
😞 Thanks!

[cbhu]

Solution to Problem : Press the Tab key