My older computer crashed and someone said to install windows on top of windows without formatting,but would have to "activate windows","how" is this done?It won't get past a message to re-install windows root system 32 hal.dll,have tried everything and don't have a backup disk,as purchased from someone who is deceased now,so don't know anything about this computer.It is a Dell optiplex and did have Windows XP Home Edition on it,but computer is unaccessable as can't get past this message.I'm on my newer computer asking questions.So how can you install windows on top of windows,and how do you activate windows.This computer repair must take a genious to figure out,very stressful and complicated.Already tried putting the Windows XP home edition Cd in,but won't do anything.
2006-10-23 15:17:34 · 6 answers · asked by Help 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Do you have any CDs for this computer? Do you have a copy of Windows to install? If so, which version (is it Windows XP Home?). Are you able to boot into Windows, or even safe mode at this point in time?
Typically, you put the CD into the CD-ROM drive and boot the computer. It should boot to the CD and ask if you want to upgrade, reinstall, or start fresh (and wipe everything out!).
Once installed, Windows will lead you through the process of activating. You have to be on line for this to occur.
You might consider what's called a destructive recovery, and just wipe out the hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows on the machine. This will ensure that you do not have any problems afterwords. But you might need to visit Dell.com and download the latest drivers for this model of computer. You only want to do this (destructive recovery) if you can afford to lose everything that's currently on the hard drive, because it will be gone.
You could also contact Dell (either on line or call them) and see if they can supply you with the proper restore CDs for that computer. They might even be able to help you solve this problem!
2006-10-23 15:32:22 · answer #1 · answered by J Scott 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are getting the infamous hal.dll error then you need to reformat your hard drive and start again. Don't install Windows on top of Windows because you are asking for problems. Since you have an Optiplex you can most likely do this:
1. Press F2 (or del) to enter BIOS setup during the BIOS load screen
2. Choose to edit the boot order and make sure that it has "Boot from CD-ROM"
3. Make sure that the WinXP CD is inserted and then save and exit. The computer may restart completely or continue to try to load windows. If it does try to continue just reset the computer when you come to the hal.dll error screen
4. Be sure to follow the on screen instructions.
5. Re-format the partition using Windows setup and then continue to re-install windows.
That should take care of it and then once you are back on the internet you can choose to activate windows. Good luck and I hope this helps you.
2006-10-23 17:50:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with ros_0123. If you don't know what you are doing just save yourself the aggravation and take the computer along with your software to someone who knows what they are doing, preferable a professional.
I would not suggest installing Windows on top of Windows (what ever that means). I have seen someone, who accidentally had multiple installs of Windows on the same computer and several of their programs. I was called because he as having serious problems with his system and nothing seemed to be working correctly and when I took a look at the system I found out why. Needless to say, I ended up formatting the hard drive and installing Windows the correct way. Then, I installed his software for him and all his device drivers for him.
2006-10-23 15:43:57 · answer #3 · answered by JSalakar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your perfect wager is to go away 7 on there. Laptops are commonly made with the operating gadget in recommendations. The hardware is determined as a lot as paintings solid with it. Plus, residing house windows 7 might want to apply extra memory than XP, notwithstanding it has extra constructive overall performance common. it is extra guard too. in case you nevertheless locate the opt to position in XP, I advise you write down each and every of the units on accurate of issues panel, gadget, hardware, gadget manager. Then use Google to analyze "installation residing house windows XP".
2016-12-05 04:03:24 · answer #4 · answered by fechter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DONT, I work for a computer repair company and I see so many people try do that and it always stuffs up, take it to someone who knows what to do or call some sort of tech support.
2006-10-23 15:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by ros_0123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, if you really want to get this sorted out then follow the instructions in this link. Print it out on your other computer and follow the steps. It WILL solve your problem. Here it is:
http://webcast.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=8658-0
2006-10-23 16:07:08 · answer #6 · answered by MeInUSA 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋