Corrumpted file that will not let me install XP (urgent)

[Guest]

Im trying to install windows XP and I get a message

Missing or corrupted file <windowsRoot>\system32\Hal.dll.
Please reinstall copy of file.

I dont have it.

Please Help!!!!

 

[Rock]

Im trying to install windows XP and I get a message

Missing or corrupted file <windowsRoot>\system32\Hal.dll.
Please reinstall copy of file.

I dont have it.

Please Help!!!!

[Courtesy the late MVP Alex Nichol]:

That message is rather misleading. It happens because the boot.ini file
that tells the boot where to look for 'Windows' is damaged, so it is
looking for files in the wrong place - hal.dll just happens to be the
first one it looks for. Set the BIOS to boot CD before Hard Disk. Boot
the XP CD and, instead of Setup, take the immediate R for Repair.
Assume any password requested is blank, and TAB over.

Use
Attrib -H -R -S C:\boot,ini
DEL C:\boot.ini
to delete the bad one
BootCfg /Rebuild

to search for Windows installations and make a new one.