Member Avatar for InmatesGirl

:eek: Okay, Okay....so I made a Boo-Boo on my part.:o I have a fetish with changing the way my computer looks....(wallpaper, fonts, boot screens, taskbar....etc.....) Well I went and tweaked my computer, and tried to change the XP Boot screen by first backing up the ntoskrnl.exe file, then I extracted the new one I wanted to use, to a different folder....thenI restarted into safe mode....then I replaced the old ntoskrnl file with the new one......Well I though that everything was fine........
It starts up using my new boot screen, then when it is about to go to the blue screen, so that I can log in........it goes to a black screen, then restarts itself.
What did I do? :?: I even tried going back into safe mode and changing it back, but it restarts itself then too....
Someone PLEASE HELP ME!!!! How can I fix this? Can I fix it? Or I did I really F*** Up my whole computer? :rolleyes:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by colinm345

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Short version for and anyone else who replaced ntoskrnl.exe: the kernel you swapped is a critical system file. If it is the wrong build (different service pack, MP vs UP kernel) or corrupted, Windows will hang or reboot before the logon screen. There are three practical recovery paths: restore your backup from the Recovery Console, extract a matching kernel from the XP CD, or do a Repair (in-place) install. and were on the right track — here are concrete steps and cautions.

Boot to the Recovery Console from the Windows XP CD (boot from CD, when Setup starts press R). Once logged in, check and restore files in System32. Adjust names to match whatever you actually used for your backup:

cd \windows\system32
dir ntoskrnl*
attrib -r -s -h ntoskrnl.*
ren ntoskrnl.exe ntoskrnl.bad
ren ntoskrnl.bak ntoskrnl.exe
exit

If you did not keep a backup, pull a kernel from the XP CD (CD drive may not be D: on your machine—use dir d:\i386 to find it):

expand d:\i386\ntoskrnl.ex_ c:\windows\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
exit

If Recovery Console fails or you get STOP errors after restoring, run a Repair (in-place) install: boot from the XP CD, start Setup, let it detect your existing Windows installation and choose the Repair option (press R when prompted). That will reinstall system files while leaving your data and programs intact. Do not run fixboot/fixmbr unless you have MBR/boot-sector symptoms (NTLDR missing, partition not booting) — fixboot will not restore a wrong or mismatched kernel (contrary to ’s suggestion).

If Repair is not possible, rescue your personal files first (attach the drive to another PC or use a Live CD), then do a clean install. Finally: always keep an original backup when you tweak system files, and only use kernel files that match your exact XP build and architecture.

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All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for caperjack

do a system restore back to before you changed it .
Click on Start
Control Panel
System
System Restore

Member Avatar for f575gtc

if you didnt read my post I mentioned that changing the boot screen is not recommended, but mistakes happen, hope u can fix it

Member Avatar for InmatesGirl

I wish that I could do a System Restore, but If you read my post....It tells you that I CAN NOT start my computer. So how would I do that if I cant even get the computer to boot up?

Anyone....PLEASE let me know what to do.....Should I boot up with the XP CD, and do a repair, or should I install windows again, or what?

Member Avatar for feigned

I wish that I could do a System Restore, but If you read my post....It tells you that I CAN NOT start my computer. So how would I do that if I cant even get the computer to boot up?

Anyone....PLEASE let me know what to do.....Should I boot up with the XP CD, and do a repair, or should I install windows again, or what?

System File Checker is probably giving you a fit.

Since you took some precaution and made a backup of ntoskrnl, you can use the Recovery Console to delete the custom one you've made and rename the backup copy you have.

Short of that, repair option it is.

Member Avatar for Echo5

Hey guys and girls, I just signed up and I will start by saying Hi :cheesy: , I have the same problem going on with my laptop. But I didn't change anything other then load Knights of the old republic. After that the system crashed and now it makes it to the logo screen then restarts. I tried to repair it using my xp cd but all it does is ask me to type exit. I really need to get back on here and get two files off before I sucum to formatting it. If there are any ideas that can help I would be greatful. Thanks for anyones help.

Member Avatar for colinm345

Yes put your XP Disc in and wait until it gives you the option to instal or repair ,choose repair and when you choose the disc to repair and your password just type in fixboot

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