Windows 7: What is NTOSKRNL.exe?

I just installed Win 7 64bit, upgrading from XP. After I thought it was installed I now get an error when I first try to boot up: "Windows Root>\System32\NTOSKRNL.exe is missing, reinstall". What did I do wrong?

Mr.Gale

Sounds like you'll want to boot to the install disk and go to the repair console and run the startup repair.

System Recovery Options

Hello MrGale, welcome to Seven Forums!



Where did you get the Windows 7 DVD to do the install with, maybe it's defective.


Or if the Windows 7 install disk is one you burned yourself it may be a bad burn and needs to be done again, if so this would be the first thing to try.

Use the free ISO burner at the link below to burn another at a speed of now more than 4x and select to let the program to verify the disk before it finishes.

ImgBurn Free ISO Burner

Thanks for the replies. I'm installing from a "upgrade" CD that I bought from the Microsoft store.
I just reinstalled the program and it looked like it was working okay. Ran "Easy Transfer" and moved my files back, got on line and downloaded updates. Every thing was working fine until I had to reboot after the updates, same problem, "Windows Root>\System32\NTOSKRNL.exe is missing, reinstall". I ran the repair as suggested but still having the same problem.
I have no clue what I should do?

Gale

Hello again.



The methods in this tutorial is the only way to do a clean install of Windows 7 using an "Upgrade" installer, there is no upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7, it has to be a clean install; have a look at this link below.

Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

I think that is what I did, I followed these instructions; Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

I looked for a solution on Tom's Hardware and I found this:

Once in the Recovery console:

1. Select the [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]operating [COLOR=blue ! important]system[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] you wish to fix and type the [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]administrator [COLOR=blue ! important]password[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR].
2. Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32 (here I presume that the CD is in D: and XP is installed in C:\Windows)
3. If it already exists, you will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the [COLOR=blue ! important][COLOR=blue ! important]file[/COLOR][/COLOR]. Type Y and press <Enter> to overwrite the file.
4. Type "exit" to reboot the computer.

It looks like this might work but how do you get into the Recovery console?

Thanks,
Gale

Sorry, that was a cut and paste. Below is what it said

Once in the Recovery console:

1. Select the operating system you wish to fix and type the administrator password.
2. Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32 (here I presume that the CD is in D: and XP is installed in C:\Windows)
3. If it already exists, you will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the file. Type Y and press <Enter> to overwrite the file.
4. Type "exit" to reboot the computer.

if you have win xp x86 installed on your pc/laptop, you must perform a clean installation, even if you have a "upgrade cd"

Microsoft recomends the following upgrade path

Windows XP x86 to Windows 7 x64 the user must perform a clean installation

Windows Vista x86 to Windows 7 x86 upgrade is available and clean install is optional

Windows Vista x86 to Windows 7 x64 the user must perform a clean installation

if you have the "upgrade cd" , is possible that the installer request you the original media of the previous version

When you first installed, you should used Custom>Drive Options (Advanced) to delete all partitions, repartition as desired, then format before installing Windows 7. The DVD will see XP when it boots up to allow use of Upgrade version key.

Try Wiping the HD to get a cleaner slate. Back up any data first: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

You'll then need to do one of the workarounds given in this tutorial to activate Upgrade version on a wiped HD: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version