windows failure

[iris]

I wrote on the 30th but don't see my email so I'm trying
again. I have an error message "<windows root>\system32
\hal.dll." I found your listing of this problem (#330184)
but the solution does not apply. I don't have the XP
start up disc, I have a Sony sysem revcovery disc and it
does not prompt the same as the start up. First it says
can't find drive D, then asks if you want to create one
or continue without. However, we DO have a drive D with
all our home photos ( and no back up)on it. So what are
the consequences? If I do system recovery, either way,
will I lose everything!???? I tried rebooting to a
previous time when the system last worked, but it didn't
work. Windows does not work at all, I'm in DOS mode and
don't know how to use it!Please save me!!!!!

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Assuming you XP is setup on the CD drive and assuming a hard drive with
multiple partition, your Sony recovery routine should only wipe out the
system drive, however you should read your documentation or contact Sony to
make sure as recovery CDs usually restore the system back to a factory fresh
state and if your other drives were created as a part of the initial
install, it might take those drives out as well.

Without an actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, your options are quite
limited. The only options we can offer are those tied to a retail version
of XP.

You are correct, the knowledge base article applies to a retail version of
the CD. Support and help with OEMs such as Sony is the responsibility of
the manufacturer, i.e. Sony.