<Windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe

[HamptonBeaver]

Hello all

I'm new to this site and in need of some help. I returned from holiday booted up the PC and got the following message:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
<Windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe please install a copy of the above file"

I have a 2-3 year old Sony Vaio desktop VGC-VA1 which comes pre-installed with the operating system software and so has no original disks. I created both a System and Application Recovery disk in line with the set-up instructions but am wary of restoring the system back to factory settings and wiping the hard disk.

I'm out of warranty and can't seem to get past the error message to access other parts of the system.

Any advice on how I should proceed?

Many thanks in advance

 

[kimsland]

I read over this thread: https://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?t=74955&highlight=missing+corrupt+ntoskrnl.exe

I was going to paste the "Expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ C:\Windows\System32"
But I believe the entire thread is useful

 

[HamptonBeaver]

Thanks for your help!