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Windows Startup Files Corruption on Intel x86-based Computer

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When you install Windows on a computer system that uses Intel x86-based processor, the chances that its key boot files become corrupted. Windows uses four basic boot files on an Intel x86-based system. These are NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM, BOOT.INI, and NTOSKRNL.EXE. After the boot sector has been located, system loads NTLDR. This NT Loader switches the x86-based processor to 32-bit flat memory mode and examines the BOOT.INI to display the operating system choices. It then loads NTDETECT.COM that builds the hardware list and NTOSKRNL.EXE to start the operating system. Any interrupt while this sequence can render the system unbootable and data inaccessible. However, if Windows utilities fail to correct the system problems, you can install it as new and restore data from the last backup. But if backup fails too, you should opt for commercial Windows Data Recovery products.

For example, consider you use an Intel x86-based computer installed with Windows. You try to boot the computer, but fail in your attempts with symptoms, such as a blank screen with a blinking cursor, blue screen error messages etc.

Cause

One of the prime reasons for this behavior could be corruption of required boot file(s) or startup boot record for active partition.

Solution

To solve such problems, you need to have a Windows startup disk. This disk contains the files that are required to start Windows, while the remaining files are installed on the hard drive itself. Follow these steps to fix the given problem:

Insert the boot the disk and boot the computer from it

Follow the steps as prompted

Copy the NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM, BOOT.INI, and NTOSKRNL.EXE files from the disk to replace them at the root folder of active system partition on your hard drive (ususally C:\)

Exit the prompt and eject the disk. Your computer should boot normally from hard disk if the process ends successfully

If these steps cannot solve your issue, it is suggested to reinstall Windows or directly use a Windows Partition Recovery Utility to recover data from the hard drive. However, windows data recovery products can also be used after reformatting the drive, but give better results prior to this operation.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software is a reliable and advanced recovery utility that is known for achieving best data recovery results. It is a comprehensive Windows Partition Recovery tool with graphically rich user interface. The application is compatible with Windows 7 RC1, Vista, XP, 2003 and 2000.

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