missing or corrupt file

[NonaDee]

When I turn on the computer I get a black screen with the folowing message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe

Please re-install a copy of the above file.

This computer was given to me and so I do not have a start up disk. I have
another computer but no start up disk for it either. I was wondering if
there is a way to make a start up disk from the working computer and use for
both or at least make a copy of the file from the good computer and use it to
replace the bad file on the other computer. How would I go about doing this.
I have only basic computer skills and need all the help I can get.

Thanks

 

[db.·.. >]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/124550

 

[NonaDee]

I went to this page. Tried the link for how to create a bootable disk and it
says article is unavailable. I failed to mention that the system I run on
both computers is Windows XP home edition. If I could just find out if I can
make a start up disk using the window xp from one computer and use it to fix
the error on the other computer that would be great. Or at least be able to
copy the missing/corrupt file from the good computer and download it to the
bad computer. Like I said I only have basic computer skills and would need
step by step instructions. Thanks Nona

 

[db.·.. >]

essentially, what you will
need to do is to log into
the recovery console and
access the disk system,
where at the prompt you
can run the following
commands:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477/EN-US/

however, i am accustomed
with using the windows cd.

but here is the info on the
floppy versions:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994/en-us

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...07-99F7-4A2D-983D-81C2137FF464&displaylang=en

if you have two computers
and no windows setup
cd, then you really should
acquire their setup cd's
for maintenance and trouble
shooting.

but the above can be addressed
at a later time.

here is more info that may
be of help:

http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?srch=105&FORM=IE7RE&q=boot+cd+win+xp