I'm getting the error NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing or corrupt. I've tried rebooting with the disk, and I've tried getting into safe mode. Nothing is working. I think I'm going to have to reformat the hard drive and start over. That's actually fine with me because there's nothing on this laptop that I'm concerned about saving.

The problem is that I can't get to a DOS prompt. I'm using Windows XP.

Help. I'm a novice at this.

Welcome to the CH forums.

What disk are you trying to boot from? Have you changed the bios setting to boot from the cdrom first?

There are possible causes and cures here.. Note the final lines on the site.

Good luckif you boot from the windows xp install cd, it will format the disk fro youWhat baout taking the hard drive out and replacing it and then destroying the hard drive?FOLLOW these steps;

1) Start the computer up & logon to windows
2) Insert the windows XP installation disk
3) Restart your computer
4) MAKE sure your BIOS settings are set to boot from the CD drive first.
5) When you turn on your computer, look for a message along the lines of "press any key to boot from cd".
6) press any key to boot from disk
7) Press enter when it comes up with the installation menu
accept the licence agreement
9) press enter on the drive that windows is ALREADY installed on
10) continue without repairing previous windows installation
11) format with FAT/32 file system
12) It will begin the installation process

Make sure to have your cd key at the ready

I HOPE i havent made it too confusing for you
If you cant log on to windows, try booting up (Starting your computer) with the XP or Operating system (OS) disk in it. This should start the reinstallation process.

Bear in mind you will require a genuine COA(registry key) to enter to completely install XP Home.

Good Luck...