NTOSKernl.EXE / boot.ini / bad HDD problem?

Question

OK, this is a Dell Optiplex GX280. I got blue screen while my boss was trying to copy files onto my computer over the network today. Could be HDD crash. System was kept up-to-date with patches and virusScan updates. Virus seems doubtful, but of course is always possible. Too impatient (I know, I know) during memory dump--cold booted at about 31%. Now, when it boots I get "Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: Winnt_root\System32\Ntoskrnl.exe Please re-install a copy of the above file." I try boot floppy with ntldr, boot.ini, and ntdetect.exe on it. Same error. I try windows recovery process with install CD. It says there's no hard disks found. This system uses SATA...do Dell Optiplex GX280s need a driver for SATA for Windows 2000 Server install? Did that cold boot just trash the drive? If so, why doesn't the repair option work? Are the BSoD and the failed recovery indicative of "bad drive"? Is BartsPE worth trying? PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

No it's not a big problem, and not a virus, when the files were being "Pushed" from the Admin it corrupted the file and thus no boot success, the Admin will need to overwrite the file from the server, the reason no Hdd was detected from yours is it is a shared drive on the network, and your pc does not recognise it as a actual harddrive just a virtual one.... Start from the Server and Work from that direction, The network should of saved a restore, before transferring files, it NOT, then, do not try to fix your computer, Call a Technician to redo the network connection and feed to the pc at your workstation, you could end up crashing the Network if this is not done in a precise mannner.....Good Luck

Answer 2

before you do anything run a SCANDISK and fix errors. I see people erase perfectly good hard drives all the time when its just the hard drive needs check disk.