Windows could not start because the following file is missing....

[DarkRavenz]

im do a EasyBCD To start dual boot~~ when im restart my computer and this message appear~ Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<Windows root"\system32\ntoskrnl.exe.
Please reinstall a copy of the above file.

when im start recovery it have to OS that contain C:Windows
D:WINDOWS

at C: im cannot recovery because when im put password it keep invalid~ how do i do it ? :'(

 

[Night Hawk]

Hello DarkRavenz Welcome to the WindowsForums!

When you say you are using EasyBCD to set up a dual boot how are you setting a dual boot of Windows 7 Home Premium and ??? Are you trying to dual boot between 7 and XP or Vista or with another OS like ubuntu?

Are you planning to dual boot two OSs on the same drive or across two separate drives? Some additional information is needed here for reference.

 

[gregrocker]

You must determine which is the Win7 partition by its position and size and mark it Active: Mark Partition Active

Then you must run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times.

If the Repair CD or F8 Recovery options don't work for you, then use the Win7 Installation DVD Repair console on second screen after booted. You can download your licensed version to burn to DVD with WIndows Image Burner from Windows 7 official ISO downloads

 

[Night Hawk]

That last link won't help if the product key in use before SP1 was released as something that should be mentioned here. It also depends on whether or not 7 came pre-installed or this is being seen on a custom build of your own.

As for the missing ntoskrnl.exe error by itself you can follow the instructions in one guide seen at How to Fix a Missing Ntoskrnl.Exe File | eHow.com

That will outline how to go about using the command prompt option in the repair tools if you have either a 7 installation dvd or a repair cd to work with. To download the iso image for a repair cd if needed not having a 7 dvd onhand go to Windows 7 Repair and Recovery CD Download | The NeoSmart Files

 

[gregrocker]

Whether before or after SP1 has no effect on the viability of a legal WIn7 Product Key.

You may need to run Startup Repair up to 3 Separate Times

 

[Night Hawk]

Well I have some news for you! When installing a 7 download with SP1 included on a VM it would not activate with the present key bought with the 7 launch! You need a newer key used with a 7/SP1 dvd in order to work it seems. And I wasn't the only one to find that one out. If the preinstalled 7 included SP1 then you wouldn't expect any problem since the OEM key is an updated one.