Missing/corrupted file

[Lenster]

Hi,

My computer is performing terribly. I logged on this morning and after a short time my mouse and keyboard werent working. (they are plugged in)

I had to then press the reset button and when it started back up
it took forever to boot up. Then when I thought all was well, it froze again and when i hit the reset button this time it would boot back up and gave me this error message---> "windows could not start cuz the following file is missing or corrupt.
<windows root> \system32\ntoskrnl.exe

I have no idea what that is. I then shut the power off and disconnected the hard drive ribbon and it booted right up.
Computer is unpredictable. (seems the computer, or maybe hard drive is making a slight clicking noise from time to time)

Does anyone know what the problem is?

Thanks.

shuttle ak31 mobo
256 pc2100 ddr
athlon 950mhz tbird
wd 7200 40gb
windows xp pro

[NDC]

Do a search in the forums with the keyword "missing ntoskrnl.exe" and you will get some answers...

[Lenster]

will do,

Thanks