There are a number of common file errors that you may meet when attempting to start your Windows 2000 or XP computer. Few of the more common error are listed here. You can utilize Windows Recovery Console to repair many Windows errors.

NTOSKRNL not found

This could be a problem with boot.ini file being organized wrongly but is probably due to a lost or corrupt ntoskrnl.exe file. Attempt these steps to repair problem.

1. Boot from Windows XP CD.

2. When it asks if you want to repair your Windows installation at the first R=Repair option, push R key

3. Enter number of right place for installation of Windows you want to repair. There will probably be only one choice unless you have a dual boot setup.

4. Enter in administrator password when requested

5. Change to the drive letter for your CDROM.

6. Type CD i386

7. Enter expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
If Windows is installed in a various place besides C:\Windows, type in right path.

8. Remove CD and type exit to restart PC.

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

If you obtain an error regarding a lost or damaged hal.dll file, it just be BOOT.INI file on root of C: drive that is misconfigured. The hal.dll file is a Windows NT file that is utilized by windows when communicating with PC hardware. Attempt these steps to repair problem.

1. Put Windows XP CD and boot from it.

2. At first R=Repair option, press R key

3. Press number of right place for installation of Windows you want to repair.

Generally this will be #1

4. Type bootcfg /list to display existing entries in BOOT.INI file

5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it

6. Remove CD and type exit

If that does not work then try to change hal.dll with other copy.
Go back to Recovery Console repeat the above steps.
At command prompt type: expand d:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32\hal.dll.
If prompted for authorization to overwrite a current edition of hal.dll file select yes.
Remove CD and type exit.

NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM Not Found

NTLDR is a program loaded from hard drive boot sector that shows Windows startup menu and helps Windows load. Ntdetect.com is invoked by NTLDR, and returns information it collects to NTLDR when completed, so that it can then be passed on to Ntoskrnl.exe, the Windows kernel.

Try these steps to repair the problem.

FAT32 partition instructions

Start with a Windows 98 floppy disk and copy NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files
from i386 directory of Windows XP CD to root of the C:\ drive.

NTFS partition instructions

1. Boot from Windows XP CD.

2. When ask to repair Windows installation at first R=Repair option, push R key

3. Press the number of right place for installation of Windows you want to repair.

There will probably be only one choice unless you have a dual boot setup.

4. Enter in administrator password when requested

5. Type in the following commands: COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\: (Enter)
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\ (Enter)

6. Remove CD and type exit to restart PC.