Corrupted Hal.dll (winXp) and im

can you logon to windows in safe mode? hit the f8 key at startup to try and get in that way.

You can reinstall XP without destroying the data on the hard drive, you know--just don't let it format the drive during the setup process. (There's an option to "keep existing contents"). Once you've reinstalled it, start keeping backups!

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm
try reading this, too.

hey, i guess ill look stupid to ask this but...
how do you reinstall windows xp without destroying the data on the hard drive?
could you tell me the step by step (or atleast which part of the installation process do i alter?).
will there be choices that i can choose from to specify the installation not to harm my files?
when i boot using the xp cd, it will ask me if i want to install, fix or quit right? if i choose to install... wont it automatically delete my files? will it harm my files???
i'm stupid arent i??? c'mon say it!!!
(sheeze, that wasnt me talking... its my desperation)

No No riverheart, you're not stupid at ALL
That's why everyone is on the group
to help in whatever capcity we can..
Feel free to post, my friend we're glad to help

To reinstall the HAL :

Boot from CD >> Choose repair / recover press "R"

Choose you OS from the console
(You'll need the Administrator's password)

You'll come to a prompt >> Type help
for the recovery console commands..

You'll need the XP CD to expand the file :

x:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32\hal.dll.

Where X = your CDROM Drive

type exit and restart your PC..

With Reinstalling pre SP1 you may lose your data
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=312368

The Best bet is if you feel uncomfortable
with the above and you have a second HD
I would slave the second one and dump the data across
that way you can feel comfortable in justreformatting the
first drive..

Whicher road you take at least you have some more options today

Take Care
./Donny

or, riverheart, you can do the install over the current install, which i think was one of your questions. here's how:

How to Repair Windows XP by installing over an existing installation:

At some stage you may simply have to reinstall a Windows!

A clean reinstall, especially for the home user, is normally recommended by THPC (but first save all those setting, etc!). However, when dual-booted, an alternative is tempting at first attempt.

All versions of Windows can be reinstalled over the existing setup. You can expect to retain all your installed applications, data, and settings. Always backup important data first - just in case!

WinXP/2000/NT:
Windows XP is used as example. Windows 2000 & NT will be similar.
• Bootup with the Windows XP CD, and continue the install.
• Press R to 'Repair the selected Windows XP installation'.
• Windows XP copies files to your Hard Drive and reboots.
• Do not press any key when you see the message 'Press any key to boot the CD'.
• In a few seconds Windows Startup Screen will be displayed, and then the Setup Screens.
• Reinstall - similar to the first occasion.
• Backup those bootfiles


Take good care of your Bootfiles and BACK THEM UP WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD!

The bootfiles for an installed Windows are in the root of the active boot partition. This is nearly always C:, the first partition of the primary drive. This is also where a Win9x/Me boot partition rests most comfortably and it must be FAT/FAT32. The Win9x/Me files can be installed on any other FAT/FAT32 partition, but that boot partition must not be converted to NTFS. Many bootfiles have Hidden, Read-only, and System file attributes. Read Notes, below.

Under a Win9x/Me & Win XP/2000/NT dual-boot, the Win XP/... is always in control of the boot (nearly always the C: drive). The XP/... can be a FAT or NTFS, but the boot drive must remain a FAT file system when a Win9x/Me is in the dual-booted (unless using a third-party utility).

It is safer, and advised, to backup the current bootfiles of an existing Windows before installing the next Windows. And then backup all bootfiles again after a successfully new installation.

Win XP/2000/NT Bootfiles:
• Boot.ini, Ntldr, Ntdetect.com, Bootsect.dos, and maybe Ntbootdd.sys, Pagefile.sys & Hiberfil.sys
   Bootsect.dos is created by a XP/... installation when it recognizes a pre-existing Win9x/Me.
WIN9x/Me Bootfiles:
• Io.sys, Msdos.sys, Command.com, (also Drvspace.bin), and maybe Autoexec.bat & Config.sys.

Ntldr and Ntdetect.com are not PC-specific and can be copied from the CD or another PC.
Boot.ini is computer-specific, but can easily be edited if copied from another computer.
Ntbootdd.sys is specific to a SCSI controller but can be copied from a PC that has the same.
Bootsect.dos is computer-specific, and cannot be copied. Back it up when it is valid! A Repair may recreate a valid Bootsect.dos. Use Bootsect20.zip to create one only if other methods fail.

thanks... your a great hero.... can i marry you!!!! oops anyway, thaks a lot!!!!