problem with windows xp bootup

ok well my desktop has a problem, but id think you guys might know how to fix it.

so recently my computer had some problems with my cpu overclocking itself (or something like that) and the computer would not start becuase it was running at an unsafe speed. i never tried overclocking anything, so i thought it was just wear and tear. i would usually just fix this by unplugging the computer and plugging it back in. i think it could have also been the power supply.

well now things have made a turn for the worst, i cant even boot up to xp.

all i can now do id get into my bios screen and an error comes up saying;

windows could not start because the following file is missign or corrupt:
<window root:>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe.

now ive searched google, but havent found an answer yet. they all tell me to insert the xp cd. the problem is is that i dont have an xp cd. i got my computer custom made, so he would always load xp back on when i ever had a problem.

i also dont want to loose any of the files, as this is why im trying to get into it, to transfer everything to my new toshiba x300 laptop.

so does anyone have any advice?? i dont know what to do and i need alot of files on it. my specs are pentium 4 @ 2.8GHz, 1GB RAM, 2 HD's (320 and 100 i think) and an ati graphics card, but i dont know which one.

im not trying to hack into it, and i can post pictures, but it takes too long. ive been on these forums for a while, so i hope you dont think im hacking it or its stolen.

thanks in advance

 

You need to restore that ntoskrnl.exe from the cd or a working computer back onto the non-working computer.

 

Does it let you boot into Safe Mode? Does it let you boot with "Last known good configuration settings"?

Also, check this link....not sure if it will help.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477

 

If you just want the data off you could just try booting into Safe Mode, attaching an external usb drive or suthin' and copy off the important data you want. If you can't get into Safe Mode, you can try and get your hands on a Linux Knoppix Live CD; boot into the OS using it and again attach an external drive and copy off the data.

 

i actually cant get into safe mode because the error comes right before the part that lets my choose my boot up options (from what i remember)

with that linux idea, how would i get it to boot off the cd? i knew how to do it before this problem, but when i boot up, i can only get to the first screen, where i can choose to go into setup by hitting delete, then the error comes up.

is there another way to run safe mode? i dont know much about the bios, but i would like to try the linux if everything else doesnt work.

so just the main question is how would i get to my boot options? either choosing between safe mode or cd.

thanks guys.

and i was checking out that link earlier, and i either need the cd or i have to actually have windows booted up and running

 

ok well ive been reading on this and it seems like a huge problem. people have been having it sence 2005, and theres still no fix. it just does it randomely and theres no user fault.

people even bring it to computer shops and they cant even fix it, so i am screwed for sure with ever being able to fully use it with all files still on the computer.

so what im planning to do is hook up my hd to another computer (hopefully i know how) and copy all files to a cd.

unless someone has a magic solution that would be great that would solve many problems.

 

You can try and access the HDD by booting with a Linux LiveCD, and then copy and overwrite the existing ntoskrnl.exe with a good, working copy of that file downloaded from the internet.

 

ok thanks guys, im gonna try the linux cd.

im just wondering with that link that makaveli gave me, which one should i download?

when i click on the download button, theres a few options, ranging from 4.4GB to 700MB. i would like to download the smallest one, as i wouldnt be using this for anything else but this, unless i like it.

so does it matter which one i download??

thanks.

 

I'd run a scan on your hard drive while you're at it - it sounds like you might have a failing hard drive and spreading bad sectors have corrupted your boot files.

 

alright i will.

i do think it is hardware related. ive had this computer for 4 years or so, and havent been taking care of it recently. as long as i can get the files off of it, im happy

ive had all of the same parts in it since day 1, except for a gpu, as i updated it for digital output. i am surprised that my hard drive has lasted this long.

 

Well you said it is your old laptop, so you could just buy a external HDD casing, IDE or SATA and connect it to your new laptop and transfer the files that you need. I think that should work. And then you can put it back to you old laptop and install a fresh copy of windowsxp. Or you can use the HDD as external.