Win won't start, Dam/Can't find hal.dll file

[Strowhat]

Got the neighbors HP laptop to see if I could get it to boot up. Problem is after long delay time the message comes up that


Windows Root\sytem32\hal.dll file is corrupt or missing and to reinstall it.
I tried a reboot off the restore cd and it seems the cp will not spin up on the cd. ???? Is the hard drive with the OS file trying to boot so that prevents me from seeing anything until the message comes up?????

How do I reinstall this file? I never get past an error message

It is running windows xp home I believe! Computer was Bought new a year ago

Any help is much appreciatted as always!

Thanks Chuck

[tacoeater]

google search has a lot about hal. myself, i usually have to reinstall when i get this error on a customer's computer. could be many different causes.
here are some links 2 look at:
Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because the Following File Is Missing or Corrupt...
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;320252
"Invalid Boot.ini" or "Windows Could Not Start" Error Messages When You Start Your Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;330184
Error Message: Windows Could Not Start Because of a Computer Disk Hardware Configuration Problem
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;314477

*****Non Microsoft Links*****

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/n1022967442
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm

Download hal.dll
www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?hal

[Strowhat]

Thanks for the info, I'll give it a try when I get the chance later tonite, it's 5:45 am right now and I have to go to work.

Chuck