"Ntkrnlmp.exe Could Not Be Loaded. The Error Code Is 7" Error Message Occurs During Windows Setup (318729)

SYMPTOMS

During the text-mode portion of Windows Setup, Setup may stop responding (hang) and you may receive one of the following error messages:

The file I386\Ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded. The error code is 7.

-or-

The file I386\L_intl.nlf could not be loaded. The error code is 7.

As a result, you cannot install Windows.

RESOLUTION

To troubleshoot and resolve this behavior, use the method that is appropriate to your situation.

Method 1: Restore the Default BIOS Settings

WARNING: This procedure may involve changing the computer's complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings and altering the computer's BIOS. Incorrect changes to the BIOS of your computer can result in serious problems. Change the computer's CMOS settings at your own risk.

To resolve this behavior, restore the computer's BIOS to its default settings. For information about the correct BIOS settings for the computer and about how to check and change these settings, see the computer documentation or contact the manufacturer of the computer.

Additionally, to confirm that the computer's BIOS is current, contact the computer manufacturer to inquire about the latest BIOS update that is available for the computer.

Method 2: Remove the Faulty RAM

To resolve this behavior, remove the memory modules that are installed in the computer.

NOTE: You must leave enough RAM for the computer to start and run Windows.

For additional information about the amount of RAM that is required to run Windows, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

304297 System Requirements for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems

If the error message that is described in the "Symptoms" section of this article is displayed again after you remove the memory module, remove a different memory module. This procedure may require you to restart your computer several times to identify the specific memory module that is not working correctly.

For information about how to add and remove RAM to the computer, either contact the manufacturer of the computer or view the documentation that is included with your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

For information about how to contact your computer manufacturer, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

65416 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K

60781 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P

60782 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

For more information about your computer's BIOS, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

299697 General Computer Basic Input/Output System Overview

For additional information about how to install Windows 2000, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

304868 HOW TO: Install Windows 2000 Professional

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.