Error loading kernel. You must reinstall Windows

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope

To fix this error, follow the steps below:

Popcorn kernels
  1. Reboot the computer to MS-DOS.
  2. At the MS-DOS prompt, type each of the following commands, pressing the Enter key after each command.
cd\
cd windows
cd system
ren kernel32.dll kernel32.ch

The ren command above renames the kernel32.dll file to kernel32.ch. Help with the command line and the above commands is on our MS-DOS help page.

  1. Once the file is renamed, extract the kernel32.dll file from your Windows CD (compact disc) into the C:\windows\system directory.