Missing or corrupted ntoskrnl.exe file.

[bobbygee]

I just updated to Parallels version 3844. When I tried to launch Windows XP, I got this error message:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

<Windows root>\system 32\ntoskrnl.exe

Please reinstall a copy of the above file."

I found a kb article with a supposed fix, but I couldn't get it to work. I saw a post from last year with a similar problem, but Parallels said a new update would fix it. That new update was a year ago, and the update I got today is more recent still, but the problem is still there.

Anybody else familiar with this? Can anyone walk me through a fix? Thanks much.

 

[estrelnikov]

Is it a Boot Camp based virtual machine?

Try the following:
1. Insert the Microsoft Windows XP CD. Note: If you have a recovery CD or a restore CD and not a Microsoft Windows XP CD it is likely the below steps will not resolve your issue.
2. Reboot the computer, as the computer is starting you should see a message to press any key to boot from the CD. When you see this message press any key.
3. In the Microsoft Windows XP setup menu press the R key to enter the recovery console.
4. Select the operating system you wish to fix, and then enter the administrator password.
5. Type expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32
6. You will then be prompted if you wish to overwrite the file type Y and press enter to overwrite the file.
7. Type exit to reboot the computer.