If the ntoskrnl.exe file is corrupt or missing this can also generate the error. To restore this file follow the below steps.
- Insert the Microsoft Windows XP CD. Note: If you have a recovery CD or a restore CD and not a Microsoft Windows XP CD it is likely the below steps will not resolve your issue.
- Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should see a message to press any key to boot from the CD. When you see this message press any key.
- In the Microsoft Windows XP setup menu press the R key to enter the recovery console.
- Select the operating system you wish to fix, and then enter the administrator password.
- Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
- You will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the file type Y and press enter to overwrite the file.
- Type exit to reboot the computer.
Here's How:
- Enter Windows XP Recovery Console.
- When you reach the command line prompt (detailed in Step 6 in the link above), type the following and then press Enter:
expand d:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32
Using the expand command as shown above, d represents the drive letter assigned to the optical drive that your Windows XP CD is currently in. While this is most often d, your system could assign a different letter. Also, c:\windows represents the drive and folder that Windows XP is currently installed on. Again, this is most often the case but your system could be different.
- If you're prompted to overwrite the file, press Y.
- Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.