NTOSKRNL.EXE failed to load

[John]

When I am using my computer (Mostly for gaming), I keep
getting crashed to the desktop, or the BSoD. I have run
many diagnosics, changed out hardware, and run System
file checker. I have all windows updates and service
packs installed on this windows xp pro computer. The
only hint I have to work from is that before EVERY error
I recieve the following entry is in the event viewer:

Application popup: : \SystemRoot\System32\NTOSKRNL.EXE
failed to load

Any ideas?

 

[Alex Nichol]

When I am using my computer (Mostly for gaming), I keep
getting crashed to the desktop, or the BSoD. I have run
many diagnosics, changed out hardware, and run System
file checker. I have all windows updates and service
packs installed on this windows xp pro computer. The
only hint I have to work from is that before EVERY error
I recieve the following entry is in the event viewer:

Application popup: : \SystemRoot\System32\NTOSKRNL.EXE
failed to load

You may have an update to ntoskrnl.exe that is unsatisfactory: It
would pay to replace the present one by an earlier version if that is
the case.

Do a search for it: there should be a version in
windows\system32\dllcache and in windows\system32
rename them to have different extensions, in *that* order. Ignore any
complaints by Windows File Protection

Now go to Windows\drivercache\i386 and open either sp1,cab (if it is
there) or driver.cab otherwise. There should be an ntoskrnl.exe in
that; drag it out to windows\system32, taking Copy here, and then close
and restart to bring that version into use

 

[John]

Well, I tried updating the kernel to a newer version,
which replaces the kernel (All versions in the cabs were
older). The error still occurs. In fact, it occured
quicker in one particular game. Would a chkdsk /r in
recovery console help? I tried using SFC /scannow, it
asked for the cd, then disappeared without any messages...
Any other ideas?

John