I have 2 laptops both with same problem. They are both Inspiron 1011 Dell and run XP home version SP3. On boot up I get message corrupt or missing file winroot> \WINDOWS\system32\hal.dll missing or corrupt file . Please rreinstall a copy. I do not have an XP system disc as both computers came with OS installed and no disk. I found an XP Professional disk in my files (entitled Better PC Quick Restore CD for WIN XP) and tried to work with it with help of a video on Youtube. It copied files to the computer but I could not get it to boot up in Win. I can get to C:\windows\system32 directory on the computer. I copied the file from the disk but ti still will not boot up. It just takes me back to XP setup screen. I was careful to change the BOOTUP source on the computer (from Computer or CD ROM) when necessary. I have the feeling that the boot.ini file needs also to be changed bt this is a bit more complicated, although the video gives instructions. I am familiar with DOS commands. I am 86 yrs old and have used computers from the very beginning, but this one has me stumped. Any help you can give, will be greatly appreciated. I do not have a lot of $$ to devote to this. Your forum people have assisted me in the past some years ago and this is why I have returned. Many thanks. Ralph.