XP CRASH

[Frederick Cole]

When selecting an option on an external program to empty xp temporary files,
a lot more than temporary files were deleted.

First, the desktop shortcuts disappeared. When I tried to reboot, I cannot
log back on as I get a DOS message that hal.dll is missing from root
directory. I tried copying the hal.dll from another computer but it doesn't
work.

I have the XP installation disc. It offers me two choices. To either
install XP, or to fix an installation gone wrong. When choosing the second
option, I get the DOS command prompt. I don't know what to do with that.
(It is here that I tried to install the requested hal.dll. It said it did
copy but the bootup didn't recognize it.)

If I choose the first option, i.e. install XP, will that wipe out the
folders of files and pix that were there?

I realize I may have to install or re-install some programs but I'm trying
to save data.

I tried copying files to the CD drive but the DOS error prompt says it won't
copy wildcards or directories. (What would be "My Pictures" in dos?
"my_pictu"?)

What should I do? Nothing is vital but I'd like to save as much data as I
can.

Thanks,

Fred

 

[José Gallardo]

1) Boot your pc with XP CD in the drive.
2) On the first screen, select "R"
3) Choose the Windows you want to repair (usually the first)
4) Type the password (Home, usually, non; Prof, the one you put when installing; you may have changed them!)
5) Type without quotes:
"bootcfg /list" (hit enter)
"bootcfg /rebuild" (hit enter)
Put off the CD and reboot.

 

[Kelly]

Hi,

When selecting an option on an external program to empty xp temporary
files, a lot more than temporary files were deleted.

Am very interested in knowing which external program this was!

In the meantime:

HAL=Hardware Abstraction Layer

How to Move a Windows XP Installation to Different Hardware
http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBJ/tip4800/rh4839.htm

Situations in Which Windows May Not Start in Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q199175

How to Troubleshoot Hardware Abstraction Layer Issues
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q237556

More information and a workaround here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_h.htm#xp_hall.dll
--
Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com