Reference number: CH000476

Error loading Kernel. You must reinstall Windows.

Issue:

Error loading Kernel. You must reinstall Windows.

Cause:

The file kernel32.dll is corrupt, damaged, or missing.

Solution:

1. Reboot the computer to a MS-DOS prompt. Additional information about how to do this can be found on document CHDOS.
2. At the MS-DOS prompt, type each of the below commands, pressing the ENTER key after each command.
   
   cd\
   cd windows
   cd system
   ren kernel32.dll kernel32.ch
   
   The above will rename the kernel32.dll file to kernel32.ch. Additional information MS-DOS as well as each of the above commands can be found on our MS-DOS page.
   
   
3. Once the file has been renamed, extract the kernel32.dll file from your Windows CD into the C:\windows\system directory. Additional information about extract as well as examples can be found on document CH000363 and our extract page.

Additional information:

• Additional information and help with the computer Kernel can be found on our dictionary kernel definition.