Computer won't boot up

[Donkey]

"Windows could not stat because the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file."


Am I completely boned? I'm planning on getting a new computer (and putting linux on it, btw) soon, but until I do I'd like my baby back up and running. Also kind of need to be able to access my files... :ummm:

[The Drunk Girl]

Have you checked out Microsoft's website? I'm not a computer whiz by any means, but it might help steer you in the right direction

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945380

[Michael]

"Windows could not stat because the following file is missing or corrupt: <windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file."


Am I completely boned? I'm planning on getting a new computer (and putting linux on it, btw) soon, but until I do I'd like my baby back up and running. Also kind of need to be able to access my files... :ummm:

Just punch that .dll file name into Google and you will find a download site for it. Download the file and drop it into your system32 folder allowing it to over-write the existing (corrupted) file.

That's my advice. :)

Here's the results of my quick search:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm (info about the problem)

http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?hal (hal.dll file for download)

[Americano]

How will he get into his program files to correct it if Win won't open?

I'd boot from the Win CD (change the bios) and do an XP repair/reinstall.

[Donkey]

Well, two years ago my disc drive also stopped working. Lol...

I think I'm going to buy a new computer, actually, because I was planning on it soon anyway. I'm thinking maybe a little cheap acer netbook then running linux on it.

[Americano]

Well, two years ago my disc drive also stopped working. Lol...

I think I'm going to buy a new computer, actually, because I was planning on it soon anyway. I'm thinking maybe a little cheap acer netbook then running linux on it.

Disc drives are dirt cheap, so it sounds like you're talking yourself into buying a new computer sooner rather than later. (I suggest fixing the old one as a back-up).

[dilettante]

Well, two years ago my disc drive also stopped working. Lol...

I think I'm going to buy a new computer, actually, because I was planning on it soon anyway. I'm thinking maybe a little cheap acer netbook then running linux on it.

I don't know how comfortable you are with used computers, but I just bought one off Craig's List a week or two ago and it proved to be a good experience; guy had a bought a new HP laptop and then discovered that his new job required a Mac. I saved ~$400 and got some freebie software to boot.

[Donkey]

Well. 300 dollars later and I have a shiny blue little netbook. I will be repairing my other one, but I think this is better for me really. It weighs less than three pounds.

Now I just need to figure out how to put linux on it. Not hard right? A friend who just put it on his laptop is going to help me tonight.

Would we advise to take windows off altogether?