Hi,
On starting my PC I see a "PRI master hard disk smart status bad error."
If I then continue and press F1 I get windows root\system32\ntoskrnl.exe missing.
Windows will not load,I am using XP.
My hard drive is less than six months old!
What is the connection with the second problem.
Any ideas how I can start XP so I can make a back up HD?

Many Thanks

ntoskrnl.exe is the bootscreen, have you tried changing it?
try a repair install if you have the xp cd:
boot up your computer, enter bios screen
under Boot Sequence move cd drive to top of the list
reboot pc with xp disk inserted
When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below

This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.
Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.

To setup Windows XP now and Repair Install , press ENTER. do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R".

Agree to licence agreement and follow instructions.

NOTE: you may lose updates and some hardware drivers (if they are in the "Windows" folder

Hi,
Thanks for the fast reply.
I cannot boot up with my disc,i've tried that it just wont let me.Even after changing boot device.
The only way is to boot up using recovery discs.I then find when it gets to the stage it asks for my disc the only option is to do a fresh install.There seems to be no choice of a repair! (Problem is there are some files I need to print off on this hard drive.)
I can get to the recovery console,I could do with the file on a disc and copy it from there....I think.

Any other ideas would be very welcome.

are they large files? you can back them up by putting the HD into a workng pc (as slave) and backing up files to another HD, USB storage device, CD/DVD or floppy.
I would try this first though:

I would check that first. At this point I would suggest a Repair Install of XP.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

If for some reason the CD won't boot; create the 6 floppy XP setup:

http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

Windows XP 6 Disk Setup Set

XP Home/Pro Original/SP1/SP2

This will setup the initial boot conditions: after disk #6 you will be told to insert your CD. The 6 floppies just create the boot condition for the CD.

Hi,
Yes,I have the six floopy set.They are what I've used.However,you do not seem to get the same options as you do when just using the disc.I cannot remember exactly now as i am on another PC.As I remember you are told files will be lost.
I will check out the links you sent nowfor more info.

Once again many thanks for your help.

when i did a repair install, the only files i lost were the windows updates (sp2) and 2 dell drivers (monitor and audio)

but then i had another problem and needed to do a clean install

about the floppies.... it is exactly the same as the cd (you get the same options when you insert the XP CD after disk 6 (from what i remember)

Hi,

I still cannot get to a 'repair' install!

Any other ideas please?

you may have to back up your data on another computer, dont see why it doesnt wrk are you sure you are booting from cd?

Did you try:

Warning!! #2
If the Repair Option is not Available

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm