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Computer cannot find 'krnl386.exe,' will not start up correctly

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by ArtanisIX, 2005/06/06.

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  1. 2005/06/06
    ArtanisIX

    ArtanisIX Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello,

    I am currently using my father's computer to ask for help.

    While playing a PC game, the computer froze. It is currently using Windows 98 (obviously). When I rebooted the computer, it said 'cannot find krnl386.exe ... the file is in an incorrect exe format' - or, at least, something along those lines, and then hang. The computer also does not start up in safe mode, though I am given the option to enter command prompts. The computer was purchased from a friend so I have no disks... it is also custom made.

    If my only option is to reformat, should I just purchase Windows XP and install that? And if I do reformat, is there anyway to figure out what drivers I need? The computer doesn't have anything drastically valuable on it.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. 2005/06/06
    markp62

    markp62 Geek Member Alumni

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    If you decide to go to XP, and the machine is a few years old, XP most likely will have the correct drivers for itself. I would get the full install version of XP if I were you.
    During the install of XP, you are given the option to format the drive as it is, or to format it to the NTFS file system. NTFS is a good choice.
    But there is still hope for your 98 system. There may be a chance your friend has the windows setup files copied onto the drive. Before anything, it would be a good idea do a scandisk first.
    scandisk /autofix
    Try these commands at the prompt.
    dir c:\windows\options\cabs\*.cab
    dir c:\win98\*.cab

    If you see a bunch of file names scroll on the screen, do these commands, remember which of two folders they appeared from. If in the first folder;
    cd\windows\system
    extract /y c:\windows\options\cabs\win98_45.cab krnl386.exe


    or second folder

    cd\windows\system
    extract /y c:\win98\win98_45.cab krnl386.exe


    In either case, you will get a confirmation of success.
    If scandisk fixed more than 1 or 2 errors, more files may be 'lost'.
     

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