Ntoskrnl.exe error - can't boot win 2000 pro

[graham.hobbs]

I've got a problem with my home PC and I can't boot it up. Comes up
with an error -

Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt:
\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe

All i really want to do is access the hard drive, backup 'my document'
files, and then install windows XP.

Can I just reinstall windows 2000 pro and expect all my files to be
there or will the hard drive by reformatted?

Thanks

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I've got a problem with my home PC and I can't boot it up. Comes up
with an error -

Windows 2000 could not start because the following file is missing or
corrupt:
\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe

All i really want to do is access the hard drive, backup 'my document'
files, and then install windows XP.

Can I just reinstall windows 2000 pro and expect all my files to be
there or will the hard drive by reformatted?

Thanks

The drive will not be formatted unless you instruct the installation
process to do so.

There is another concern with your post. You appear to belong
to the group of people who postpone backing up their important
files until disaster stares them in the face. Sooner or later you
will get caught out. A far better way would be to buy a 2.5" hard
disk and an external USB case so that you can back up your files
every week or so. These disks cost very little!

 

[hob]

i was in the process of backing up to an external hard drive when
disaster struck! half of my files are safely backed up! but i take your
point.