HAL.DLL missing or corrupt

[Dirk]

Hi all! After simply restarting my computer, I got an
error message telling me XP could not start because the
file \Windows\System32\hal.dll was missing or corrupt.

- The hal.dll file is certainly in its subdirectory
- I do not have a dual boot system
- My boot.ini seems to be in good shape
- The hal.dll on my XP CD is much older. When I tried to
expand it, I got all kind of error messages so I am now
looking for a more updated version (they are already
sending me one).

Could I just copy a hal.dll from another installation over
mine? Any other ideas besides reinstalling XP?

Thanks and regards! Dirk

 

[PaulM]

Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the Following File Is Missing
or Corrupt... Hal.Dll
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];320252

 

[Alex Nichol]

Hi all! After simply restarting my computer, I got an
error message telling me XP could not start because the
file \Windows\System32\hal.dll was missing or corrupt.

- The hal.dll file is certainly in its subdirectory
- I do not have a dual boot system
- My boot.ini seems to be in good shape

*Something* is wrong with boot.ini, so it is looking in the wrong place
for the windows folder - hal.dll just happens to be the first item
looked for there.

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.

At that I would delete c:\boot.ini *you may need an Attrib -h -r -s
C:\boot.ini before the del command) then use
BootCfg /Rebuild
to make a new one