[hammy07]

Hi, I got windows xp, system = inspiron 6000, Bios = A09, Pentium M, 512 MB.
I keep get the error message windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file.
I tried partically everything but I still can't get it to work.
Then I tried to re-install the XP cd but the laptop won't read it.
I have a lot of important files on the computer which i really need to get to but can't
Please Help, What should I do?

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I tried partically everything but I still can't get it to work.

hal.dll can be one of the most difficult-to-fix errors. Have you tried to tepair thrugh Recovery Console? If not, there are two commands that you should tru to run:

chkdsk /r

and, if not successful:

expand X:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32\hal.dll (X sould be replaced with the drive letter in which XP cd is).

If not successful, backup and clean install windows. If you need help with backup please let us know.

[The Skeptic]

I tried partically everything but I still can't get it to work.

hal.dll can be one of the most difficult-to-fix errors. Have you tried to tepair thrugh Recovery Console? If not, there are two commands that you should tru to run:

chkdsk /r

and, if not successful:

expand X:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32\hal.dll (X sould be replaced with the drive letter in which XP cd is).

If not successful, backup and clean install windows. If you need help with backup please let us know.

[hammy07]

I can't get to recovery console

[Broni]

Then I tried to re-install the XP cd but the laptop won't read it.

Did you try the CD on another computer?
Are you booting from the CD?

[hammy07]

hey, the cd works fine, I tried it on my desktop. See the problem with the laptop it won't start. When I turn it on it goes straight to the error message.

[Broni]

Do you have Windows CD in, when starting?
Is the BIOS set to boot from the CD, first?

[hammy07]

I do have the cd in when starting and the boot cd is first.

[Broni]

If so, at startup, you should see:

Press any key to boot from CD

Do you see it?

Basically...
Causes of the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error include, naturally, a damaged hal.dll file or a hal.dll file that has been deleted or moved from its intended location.
Additional causes may include a damaged or missing boot.ini file or possibly a physically damaged hard drive.
Since you're booting from the CD, the above shouldn't matter.

[hammy07]

I do not see press any key to boot from cd

[Broni]

If you're sure, BIOS boot order is set correctly, then you must have some CD drive problem.