Repair your Hal.dll Error in Windows XP

Introduction

If you receive the error message "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: Windows\System32\Hal.dll" when you try to boot your Windows XP computer, you probably have a corrupted Boot.ini file on your system. In order to remove the error and boot into Windows, you will need a Windows XP CD-ROM that can be booted. From the bootable Windows CD you will be able to enter the Recovery Console that is necessary for fixing the error. 

Step 1

Insert a Windows XP CD that can be booted into your computer's optical drive. Press the "Reset" button on your computer's case to restart the machine.

Step 2

Press any key to boot from the CD when prompted during startup. Push the "R" key when the option for "Recovery Console" appears on the screen.

Step 3

Type in the Administrator password for the computer if one is being used. Leave the password option blank if no Administrator password is in effect on the computer with the Hal.dll error.

Step 4

Enter the command "bootcfg /rebuild" at the command prompt. Allow the "bootcfg" program to scan your computer for installed operating systems. Choose "Y" when asked if you want to add operating systems to the boot list, enter the name of the operating system when prompted for a load identifier, and enter the text "/fastdetect" when prompted for OS load options.

Step 5

Input the "exit" command to restart the computer and quit the Recovery Console. Boot into the Windows installation if you are prompted to choose an operating system by the rebuilt boot.ini file.