How do I reinstall windows xp, after a driver named hal.dll had been lost on my current windows xp, using OS?

Question

My PC had many problems and since my mother knows more about OS than me I asked her if she could help me in formating my Hard Drive and reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition. I ended up in the OS screen that had the option of opening Windows XP Home Edition or installling Home Edition I opened Windows XP Home Edition and it said cannot open, missing file hal.dll, so I went back to the home OS screen and I opened Install Windows XP Home Edition (aKa the Blue Screen of Death). So then I opened it and I put in the Windows XP Home Edition CD and started the installation, but it couldn't copy any of the files which left me in a hole and I was going around in Loops. Does anybody know how I can just get rid of my old operating system, format my Hard Disk, and load a new Windows XP Home Edition from the OS screen that I'm stuck in? I would highly appriciate anybody who could help me in this situation.

Answer 1

i would put the windows disk in before starting up, it should ask you if you want to format, this wipes everything and then will allow the cd to install windows again. for drivers after you might need most can be found on the web. only did it once, so someone else might help more.