windows xp help?

Question

i think my computer crashed or something right now im using my bro's computer every time i want to use my computer there is a message that reads

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\system32\hal.dll.
please re-install a copy of the above file.

i know i have to re install windows but what i dont know is how to do it if i cant log in to windows how is my computer going to read the cd. i have a dell. pls i really need help.

Answer 1

Hello my name is Rick and I am a Dell Customer Advocate. The Fixboot listed 2 posts above me might work, but if not try running the windows repair install.
here is a link to a Microsoft article on how to go about doing that
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

Your information should not be lost if the hard drive is good and the install does not run across any problems, however there is always a chance that you may lose your data. Be careful not to format, if you follow the Microsoft article you should be good to go.

Answer 2

Window Vista has far greater function plus greater efficient hardware that help vista with window xp fairly any applications that could save up with greater contemporary technologies. Plus the reason why they make a 2nd Verizon of a product is using the fact it extremely is greater efficient then the a million st verizon. So earlier you initiate asserting window xp is greater efficient then vista that's clearly no longer because of fact with window xp barley has any applications can it help blue the tooth? Can window xp be hook up with xbox 360 or ps3? vista can yet plus those people who're asserting xp the two cant have adequate money vista or has a older pc.... and additionally they made a greater contemporary verison of vista much less glichts.

Answer 3

Hello:

Assuming that your computer can boot from CD or DVD, you need only put the CD in the drive and reboot your PC for it to work. You'll need to press a key within 5 seconds to boot the CD.

However, you may be able to extract the dll from the CD without having to reinstall. I can't remember if the hardware abstraction layer library can be recovered that way or not.

Cheers!

Answer 4

If you have a system restore disk for your computer, simply put it in the dvd or cd drive and then boot the system.

If you have an official Microsoft XP installation disk, place it in that drive and reboot. Windows is actually smart enough to find the place that will actually load the program for you.

Answer 5

Just put in te Dell Windows Reinstallation disk and after you have backed up all your important files delete and recreate the partition of the hard drive. Just follow the prompt when reloading XP and then reinstall XP and you should be back to normal.

Answer 6

you need the original CD for XP and you can try a system repair in Windows (not repair console!). That might bring it back.

Otherwise you are looking at doing a full reinstall. If you don't know how to get the data off the machine, then a full reinstall will remove everything including your files. If you need your data then you are going to have to take it somewhere to get it backed up.

Answer 7

ANYTHING TO DO WITH THESE HERE COMPUTERS IS SOMETIMES HARD TO UNDERSTAND HAHA, i have had both kinds and yeah there are scary times. .Look in the back of your computer there should be a switch like a light switch to turn it off and on try that first and then turn off the screen as well there's a button for it too right on your screen . LEAVE IT OFF FOR A LEAST A MINUTE OR MORE IF THAT DOESNT' WORK STILL WHEN YOU TURN IT BACK ON GET SOMEONE THAT HAS ONE OF THOSE DISC TO DO SOMETHING LIKE WHAT'S CALLED" REFURBISHING IT " OR SOMETHING , CAUSE MINE DID THAT DO , NO PICTURE MOVEMENT OR ANTHING RIGHT ? WELL, IF YOU answered yes to that question then that's probably what it is i forget the name of the disc that you need , but it's something like what i called it before "refurbushing, renewing or something with a "R" IN IT ANYWAYS HOPE I HELPED . AND HOPE YOU GET YOUR COMPUTER GOING AGAIN.

Answer 8

Pop in your XP CD, When you see the Dell logo, Press F12 and select the CD/DVD to boot first

You do not need to reinstall, you can try a 'repair install' first.

Answer 9

If you completely reload the system, the windows install disk will take care it...you don't have to log in first. Just set the BIOS to boot from the CDROM...put the disk in and let the system boot up...follow the on-screen instructions during the install. Easy as pie...

Answer 10

Boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console
Run "Attrib -H -R -S" on the C:\Boot.ini file
Delete the C:\Boot.ini file
Run "Bootcfg /Rebuild"
Run Fixboot
Type Exit and restart the computer