Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The core system file (kernel) used to start this computer is not a Microsoft Windows file. The service pack will not be installed.

I used Winimage to convert my XP to Virtual PC image. All works fine but when trying to install XP service 3 I got this error "The core system file (kernel) used to start this computer is not a Microsoft Windows file. The service pack will not be installed."

Looks this this is due to he boot.ini was altered during the conversion.

Try this to restore the ini file to your standard content.
Click OK to close the error message.
Click Start, click Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
Click the program that customizes the startup graphics, and then click Remove.
Restart the computer, and then try to install the service pack again. If the problem persists, go to step 5.
On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
Under System Startup, click Edit.

The Boot.ini file opens in Notepad.
Locate and then delete the /KERNEL=filename switch.

Note The /KERNEL=filename switch is an optional parameter. Typically, it is only used by third-party programs that modify the kernel. It is safe to delete the entire switch parameter, which may resemble /kernel=kernel.exe. The following is a sample Boot.ini file from a Windows XP Professional-based computer that contains a /KERNEL=filename switch:

[boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /kernel=ntkrnlmp.exe

After you delete the /KERNEL=filename switch, the sample boot.ini file resembles the following:

[boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

For more information about switch options, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
833721 Available switch options for the Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 Boot.ini files
Save and then close the Boot.ini file.
Restart the computer.
Try to install the Windows XP service pack.

For more read below:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/327101

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