Windows XP installation doesn't start

[Jochen Cammin]

Hi,

After changing partitions on my Dell Inspiron 9300, I installed Linux
and left my Windows XP installation (and partition) untouched. I can
boot Linux ok via the grub boot loader, but for Windows I get an error
message about missing hal.dll.

I beleive this is due to a corrupted or missing boot.ini, so I tried to
boot from the Windows XP installation CD, get into recovery mode and
reinstall boot.ini with bootcfg /rebuild.

However, the computer boots from the CD, I get a message that setup is
examining my computer and searching for Windows installations, and then
nothing happens. I get a blank screen and the HDD light is on
permanently (though I can't hear any activity from the disk). I waited
for almost 2 hours. Although the CD is labeled as recovery CD, I
successfully installed Windows from this CD from scratch a few month
ago.

Any suggestions? Is there another way to reinstall boot.ini?

Many thanks in advance,
Jochen

 

[Guest]

hi, I am posting a link that may help you find what you are looking for
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/default.mspx

please report back and let us know if this link helped solve your problem.

 

[AJR]

Hi,

After changing partitions on my Dell Inspiron 9300, I installed Linux
and left my Windows XP installation (and partition) untouched. I can
boot Linux ok via the grub boot loader, but for Windows I get an error
message about missing hal.dll.

I beleive this is due to a corrupted or missing boot.ini, so I tried to
boot from the Windows XP installation CD, get into recovery mode and
reinstall boot.ini with bootcfg /rebuild.

However, the computer boots from the CD, I get a message that setup is
examining my computer and searching for Windows installations, and then
nothing happens. I get a blank screen and the HDD light is on
permanently (though I can't hear any activity from the disk). I waited
for almost 2 hours. Although the CD is labeled as recovery CD, I
successfully installed Windows from this CD from scratch a few month
ago.

Any suggestions? Is there another way to reinstall boot.ini?

Many thanks in advance,
Jochen

Primary reason for cannot find "HAL.DLL" is failure of the system to find
the boot partition - if the DLL is actually missing a "STOP" error message
is generated.
The following statement "After changing partitions on my Dell Inspiron
9300...." may have been the culprit.
BTW - You may want to consider checking on Linux via "Knoppix" website -
Linux is provided on a boot CD - not necessary to install on the HD.
``````