xp home zapped by service pack

Last Friday I purchased a 'new' laptop a Sony VAIO PCG-FX705 pre-loaded with XP HOME . Everything was working fine I went on-line to activate the software. Later when I tried to download something Iwas directed to download and install an MS Service Pack. Towards the end of this process I received error messages relating to 'missing' files including 'nic1394.sys', 'ntoskrnl.exe', 'ntkrnlpa.exe' and 'win32k.sys?'. I did not choose to restart when asked at the end of the installation but continued doing what ever I was doing and there was no apparent problem. When I did close down and then re-start I found myself completely locked out of windows with the message "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: <Windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe Please reinstall a copy of th above file."
How can I do this when I am unable to gain access to the OS? As XP was pre-loaded I do not have a CD. Any help for a user with limited technical nouse would be hugely appreciated.

 

Well, I am certainly of no help to you at all. I have been debating whether to install this Service Pack myself on my WinXP OS. I have heard/read many comments about this particular update, more bad than good and I came here to see if I could find help with my decision. I think I will leave well enough alone for now.

I hope someone can give you some help/advice.

Meandy

 

Without the source files or a backup, I'm not sure what you can do other than whatever the manufacturer supplies for a restore.

1. Always back up the oprating system before a major upgrade like this.
2. Always make sure you have the source files somewhere.

Eventually you are going to need both.

 

I downloaded it alright, but I have to admit there is no noticeable
difference to me. But if there was anything for security then it probably was worthwhile.

 

I hate to admit it, but I avoid M$ service packs and upgrades like the plague. Never had a virus, never been hijacked and puter works fine. Everytime I tried a security patch or whatever, it broke something.
Hence: If it ain't broke, don't fix it""

 

I installed SP1 about 3 weeks ago and it really screwed up my PC. It would not recognize my soundcard or printer even after uninstalling and reinstalling them. I started getting all kinds of errors. When I installed it it asked me if i wanted to install the uninstall feature which would require more disk space. Well having heard all the horror stories about SP1 I chose to install the uninstall feature to be safe. When all the trouble started I went to add/remove programs and sure enough it was there but it would not uninstall. Everytime I tried it would say SP1 could not be removed. I figured I would try a system restore,as I had been told you could do if SP1 screwed anything up, WRONG!. Sp1 had deleted all my restore points. So I tried a repair install of XP and it was still screwed up. In the end I had to reformat and do a clean install of XP. Luckily I had everything backed up.

 

I guess none of these replies have helped you at all. If you had a copy of the XP CD I would suggest a clean install. Since you do not I don't know what to tell you other than to suggest that you see if you can get one.

 

Without a CD your choices are indeed limited. I take it you have tried to activate safe mode? Press F8 as the computer is booting up?
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314477
This MS article may describe your situation, but unless you can access the system, (Your installation files may be on the hard disk) or unless you have a CD, I am unable to suggest anything else.