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How do I fix error message <windows root>\system32\hal.dll

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by larry8900

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I can't seem to get past this message. I've tried hitting F8 and going to safe mode but still get the same message. I have my 3 recovery discs but I know I'll lose everything on my hard drive if I go this route. I don't have a Windows XP home edition full version disc but I'm told this comes on my recovery discs. I have a sony vaio lap top. Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions.
Thank You

2 replies

by thumbsup2

The hal.dll file is a critical system file. It won't boot without it. You might try the steps provided in the following link. Read the first 3 posts.

http://www.ozzu.com/ftopic53834.html

Note: You're going to need an original WinXP CD. If you think your recovery disks will wipe the drive, don't use them. See if you can borrow someone else's of the same version (home vs pro). You won't be installing from the CD. You only need to use the recovery console to get to a place where you can rebuild the Boot.ini file.

If that doesn't work, more than likely the file is actually corrupt and needs to be replaced. Follow the instructions here to exctract a new copy:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/restorehaldll.htm

NOTE: You will still need that original XP CD if you can't boot from your recovery CD and get into the recovery console without wiping the drive.

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