Can't boot XP

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Guest

When trying to boot up, Windows can't find Windows\system32\config\system OR Windows\system32\hal.dll. I've downloaded the six setup disks from Microsoft in order to run windows recovery, but can't seem to make any progress. I am working on an HP pavillion notebook with an OEM version of XP. If I use the Recovery disks to re-install the missing files, will that overwrite existing data on the Hardrive, or just the missing files? The intro screen warns that ALL files will be erased! What can I safely do? Also, Why did these files disappear? We have not loaded any new programs and keep our Norton updated.
 
Hello
Have you tried a system restore to a previous date, the only thing you can
do with original restore disks are a complete restore which will wipe your
harddrive clean and restore it to factory settings.
HP desktops have a hidden partition with a repair option (not sure if this
applies to laptops) tapping the F10 key at boot will bring the desktops to
this option.

--
Hope This Helps
Haus
Not a MS-MVP
Not a MVP
Not nothing, just a good ole boy.
Mark said:
When trying to boot up, Windows can't find Windows\system32\config\system
Click to expand...
OR Windows\system32\hal.dll. I've downloaded the six setup disks from
Microsoft in order to run windows recovery, but can't seem to make any
progress. I am working on an HP pavillion notebook with an OEM version of
XP. If I use the Recovery disks to re-install the missing files, will that
overwrite existing data on the Hardrive, or just the missing files? The
intro screen warns that ALL files will be erased! What can I safely do?
Also, Why did these files disappear? We have not loaded any new programs and
keep our Norton updated.
 
Thanks Haus
I've tried F10;F8; Safe mode; Resore to last known good configuration; but can't seem to get into the Windows directory to access any of these options. I loaded the six setup disks so I can read the Windows directory but it won't even accept any of the DOS commands. I tried to xcopy the missing or corrupt files, but it won't recognize the command , even after I copy it into the Windows directory. Unfortunately, the repair options on these disks seem rather limited as far as actual repair goes. Any other options? Oh, I did recieve an error code after running the e-diagnostics utility -9640- does that mean anything to anyone? Thanks in advance
 
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