Resolving Ntkrnlmp.exe Could Not Be Loaded Error Code 7

Ntkrnlmp.exe is a large system file belonging to Microsoft Windows operating systems that fall in the family of Microsoft Windows NT operating systems. Generally, this file is located at C:\windows\driver cache\i386. You may receive the following error message during the installation of Windows XP, if the BIOS on your system has problems when Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is enabled.

Error Message: "Ntkrnlmp.exe Could Not Be Loaded Error Code 7"

To resolve this error, you may have to disable ACPI on the system.

Steps to Disable ACPI from the BIOS

  1. Restart your computer, and press “Del” or “F2” during startup.

    2. Note: The key to enter BIOS setup is different for different computers. The information on the key that you need to press is displayed on the bottom part of the screen during startup.

  2. In the BIOS Configuration screen, go to the Power Management Setup menu.
  3. Scroll down to the option that says ACPI Aware Operating System.
  4. Using the Page Up or Page Down option to set the value to No.
  5. Finally, save and exit from the backup.
  6. Restart the installation.

Steps to Disable ACPI During Windows XP Installation

  1. Insert the Windows XP installation CD and run the setup.
  2. When the following message is displayed, press F6.

    3. Press F6 if you want to specify additional mass storage devices.

    A list of options will be displayed.

  3. Select Standard PC.

You will now be able to proceed with the installation.

Steps to Disable ACPI After Windows XP Installation

If you encounter the error after the installation is complete, you can disable ACPI by performing the steps listed below:

  1. Open Start menu, select Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
  2. Click the Device Manager button on the Hardware tab.
  3. Double-click on Computer, and then double-click on Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC to open its properties dialog box.
  4. On the Driver tab, click the Update Driver button.
  5. In Hardware Update Wizard, select No, not this time, and then select Next.
  6. Select the Install from a list of specific location (Advanced) and then click Next.
  7. Select Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install and click Next.
  8. Select Standard PC and then click Next.
  9. Finally, click Finish and then restart your PC.

Note: This last method is not recommended. It is always better to perform a clean install of the system.

Some of the other tasks that you can perform to repair the Ntkrnlmp.exe error are:

  • If you are upgrading form Windows 98 or Windows ME, wait for a while and see if the installation process proceeds on its own.
  • If it does not, try to cancel the setup and boot into 98 or ME. Next, uninstall any antivirus or boot manager programs on the system, clean boot your PC, and then try to run the setup again.
  • Remove any unnecessary hardware devices, such as USB devices or sound, VGA or network adaptors from the system.
  • Try to update the BIOS of your computer. You can search for and download a BIOS update from your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website.