Err Msg: Error Loading Kernel. You Must Reinstall Windows

ID: Q146419

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you start Windows, you may receive the following error message:

Error Loading Kernel. You must reinstall Windows.

After you receive this error message, Windows quits.


CAUSE

This error can occur if the Kernel32.dll file is missing or damaged.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this situation, extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from your original Windows disks or CD-ROM. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer. When you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. If you are using Windows 98, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key while your computer restarts until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Command Prompt Only.


  2. Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each line:

    cd\windows\system
    ren kernel32.dll kernel32.xxx


  3. Extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from your original Windows disks or CD-ROM to the Windows\System folder. For information about using the Extract tool, type extract at the command prompt, or see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    ARTICLE-ID: Q129605
    TITLE : How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files


  4. Restart your computer.


Additional query words: corrupt 


Keywords          : kbenv kberrmsg win95 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 27, 1999