Some System32 files were deleted to free up space. The PC now reports an ntoskrnl.exe error with code 0xc0000221, and an attempted USB reinstall hasn't fixed it. What should I check next?
Windows still reports ntoskrnl.exe missing after a reinstall. What should I try?
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2w~clampthimble_605
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First, make sure it was actually a fresh install from USB rather than a Windows reset. A reset can depend on files that are already damaged.
Create new installation media from a fresh Windows ISO, boot directly from the USB using the firmware boot menu, and run Windows Setup. If it fails again, try another USB drive. Resetting BIOS settings won't replace missing Windows files.
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If there are documents or other files you want to keep, deal with those before trying a destructive reinstall. You could back up the current drive or install Windows on a different drive and leave the original alone for recovery.
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Repair might be worth trying before a reinstall, especially if Windows can still boot. From an administrator command prompt, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow to check and repair system files.
Those online commands are for a running Windows installation. If it won't boot, you'd need to use recovery tools instead.
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Don't jump straight to replacing hardware. The error can involve damaged Windows files, and installation media is another thing to rule out. If fresh media on another USB still fails, then testing the storage drive and memory is a reasonable next step.
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4u!sparewhisk_827:
Back up anything you need before deleting or formatting partitions in Setup. A clean install can erase personal files too.