Windows Service Pack Install Error (Q327101): Core System File (Kernel) Files Modified

Note: This will not work on Windows Vista and/or Windows Server 2008 as they do not have a boot.ini and I am working on a fix via the command line.

When trying to install a Windows Service Pack, you may receive a error resembling the following...

"Windows has detected that a core system file (kernel) used to start this computer is not a Microsoft Windows file. Due to this modification, the Service Pack will not be installed."

This may seem like a big deal, however it isn't! The problem is that you most likely have a Windows modification program that changes your theme or boot screen. Microsoft says that you need to uninstall any software to fix this problem, but that isn't necessary.

Simple and Only Solution

1) Goto System Properties
a) Press (Windows Key + Pause/Break)
b) Right-click on My Computer and select 'Properties'
c) Control Panel -> System (or if not classic, Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> System)
2) Goto "Advanced" tab
3) Under the "Startup and Recovery" section, click Advanced

Windows XP

4) Click "Edit" next to 'To edit the startup options file manually, click Edit.'
5) In the notepad window that opened, remove the option /Kernel= and the file
Example (if you have Tuneup Utilities):

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Media Center Edition" /fastdetect /kernel=TUKernel.exe /NoExecute=OptIn

--would change to--

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Media Center Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

6) Save the file and restart
(NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNSURE, COMMENT OR EMAIL ME!!!, IF YOU EDIT THE FILE INCORRECTLY, THE SYSTEM WILL FAIL TO BOOT!!)

7) Try installing Service Pack again.

That's All!

Hope That Helps!
-James Hartig

Remember: If you are unsure, email me or comment!!