I can't start windows because of a corrupt file. Please help

Okay, so restarted my computer from windows today and right after the pentium 4 splash screen I get a message saying:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

<Windows root>/system32/hal.dll

Please reinstall a copy of the above file


So I boot using the windows xp disc that came with my computer and choose the Windows Recover Console option (I just assumed that that's what I was going to need to choose)

So it brings me to another black screen with some text that gives a short explanation of the Recovery Console and



1: C:\WINDOWS

Which windows installation would you like to log onto <to cancel press ENTER>


So I type "1" and hit enter and it asks me to type the administrator password. I don't even have an administrator password setup; it just boots right into windows without asking me to choose a profile or type a password.

So I just hit enter and on the next line "C:\WINDOWS" appears. Everytime I hit enter it just puts the same thing on the next line.

Can somebody tell me what command I have to enter to continue repairing my windows installation?

I was also wondering if repairing the windows installation is going to delete any of my save game files or games.

 

expand d:\i386\hal.dl_ c:\windows\system32\hal.dll

Assuming D: is your optical drive letter.

I'm guessing you've never used DOS before?

 

Last time I used dos I was about 11 years old and all I new was how to load games that my dad installed.

So where do I type this command in?

I typed it in after the line "c:\WINDOWS" and I got a message saying that the system could not find the file or directory specified.

 

what drive letter is your optical drive?

 

Sounds like HD failure.

Anyway. First, of why is it missing? Either (1) you deleted it by accident, (2) you have malware, or (3) your HD is failing.

if #1
I'd do what you are doing, also I'd read

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/missinghaldll.htm

else if #2 or #3
I'd reinstall Win.

To save your data, I'd put your HD to an external USB enclosure and copy all your personal files (but none of the system files/folders) to a new HD. I would perhaps check them for malware prior to re-using on a new system.

 

I had the same problem a few months back and saved in the attachment the information I found on the Web to correct the problem. The info is very similar to that in the link 'alekkh' provided.

I had to start at item 4 to resolve the issue. What caused my problem was a failed upgrade to XP SP3 due to a video driver being problematic. See the PDF attachment, I hope this helps. (FYI, my hal.dll file was never missing, windows just couldn't find it)