JSI Tip 2745. Windows NT could not start, Ntoskrnl.exe is missing or corrupt?

When you try to start Windows NT, you receive:

Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: System32Ntoskrnl.exe Please re-install a copy of the above file.

The problem can be caused by any of the following:

1. System32Ntoskrnl.exe is missing or corrupt. If this is the case, run a Verify Windows NT system files, followed by reapplication of your lastest service pack, or boot to an alternate install and copy the file.

2. The default value in the [Boot Loader] section of c:boot.ini is missing or invalid.
    If Windows NT is installed at C:WinNT, the entry should look like default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINNT.
     See tip 0055. If the default value is missing, the boot menu displays a NT (default) entry which points to multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINNT.

3. Windows NT is not installed in the location specified by c:boot.ini.

To fix the problem, use any of the following:

1. Correct the c:boot.ini file. See tip 0055. Here is a sample:

[boot loader]timeout=06default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINNT[operating systems]multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINNT="Windows NT Workstation Version 4.00"multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINNT="Windows NT Workstation Version 4.00 [VGA mode]" /basevideo /sosmulti(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)WINNT="Emergency Workstation Version 4.00"multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)WINNT="Emergency Workstation Version 4.00 [VGA mode]" /basevideo /sos

2. Boot the 3 setup floppies and type R for repair. Insert your ERD when prompted. Check the Inspect Startup Environment option only. See tip 0272.

3. If you have a boot floppy, tip 0012, use it to boot and copy the A:boot.ini or just edit c:boot.ini.

4. If you have a working alternate install, boot it and edit c:boot.ini.