KRNL386.exe cannot be found or loaded

[drfrjohn]

While updating a system (New motherboard more memory, new modem ran across the following problem. Can load all cards and drivers until I get to the modem and then the system freezes and gives me the following error "Cannot find or load KRNL386.exe. Access to file denied. Hit any key to continue." You hit any key and the system shuts down. I remove the modem and it boots up just fine with no issues. This is the third modem that I've tried and I have reset the CMOS. Also the very first time that it is trying to install the modem I get a disk write error. This is a puzzle and I need any help that can be offered

[twlott]

sounds like your modem is bad. :D

[Geezer]

here is info from Microsoft Knowledge base:
Article # 70467 Error: Cannot Find KRNLxxx.EXE

Windows 95/98
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Error messages starting Windows:

Cannot find KRNL286.EXE
Cannot find or load required file KRNL386.EXE.

CAUSE - Windows cannot find the kernel necessary to run 386 enhanced, standard, or real mode (version 3.0 only). The kernel provides system services such as memory and resource management.

Problem also occur if WIN386.EXE file is located in Windows folder. This file is run by WIN.COM, causing Windows to believe the Windows folder is the Windows\System folder.

RESOLUTION
Two methods for resolving this issue.
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If Windows 95/98 WAS NOT Installed/Uninstalled
Boot with clean AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.

Make sure your Windows directory is on your MS-DOS path.

Make sure your path statement does not contain more than 128 characters.

Make sure the correct kernel file indicated in the warning message actually exists in your Windows SYSTEM subdirectory.

Add the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory to your MS-DOS path.

Make sure your MS-DOS version is compatible with your computer.

Rebuild the SYSTEM.INI file.

As a last resort, reinstall Windows.
-----------------------------------

If Windows 95/98 WAS Installed/Uninstalled
Remove the WIN386.EXE file from the Windows folder. If there is no WIN386.EXE file in the Windows\System folder, move the file from the Windows folder to the Windows\System folder.
Restart computer.

If these steps do not solve the problem, use the steps in the
"If Windows 95/98 WAS NOT Installed/Uninstalled" section.

[drfrjohn]

Thanks for the help. It turned out that the IRQ was being flooded could not share enough interrupts. Redirected a couple and removed one PCI card and all is well. Thanks again for the insight