Error Loading Kernel. You Must Reinstall Windows

When you start Windows, you may receive the following error message: After you receive this error message, Windows quits.

This error can occur if the Kernel32.dll file is missing or damaged.

To resolve this situation, extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from your original Windows disks or CD-ROM. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer. When you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. If you are using Windows 98, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key while your computer restarts until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Command Prompt Only. If you are using Windows Millennium Edition (Me), start your computer with the Windows Me startup disk.
2. Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each line:
   
   cd\windows\system
   ren kernel32.dll kernel32.xxx
3. Extract a new copy of the Kernel32.dll file from your original Windows disks or CD-ROM to the Windows\System folder. For information about using the Extract tool, type extract at the command prompt, or see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   ARTICLE-ID: 129605  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129605/EN-US/ )
   TITLE : How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files
4. Restart your computer.

NOTE: This article was cited in a hoax regarding a problem with Windows 95/Windows 98 functioning properly on and after December 31, 1999. The problem discussed in this article is not year 2000 (Y2K) related, and Microsoft is unaware of any date-related problems in Kernel32.dll.