How To Fix Missing Hal.dll Errors in Windows XP

If you receive the error message “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WindowsSystem32Hal.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.

First Method:

1. Insert a Windows XP Boot Disk and restart the computer.

2. Press any “Enter” key to boot from the Windows XP Boot Disk when prompted during start-up. If you don’t see the this message than you’ll need to change the boot sequence in the bios.

3. In the Windows XP Professional /Home Setup screen, press R to enter Recovery Console

4. Most users only have a single Windows XP installation so the choice is usually clear, Press 1. If you have partitioned the Hard Drive it may look different,  just make sure you type the number of the partition you have installed window.

5. Type the Administrator password for the computer if one is being used. Leave the password option blank if you have no Administrator password.

6. Then type “cd system32” without the quotes, to change to the system32 Directory.

7. Type “map” and press enter key. So you would know what is the drive letter of your CD-ROM where you have the Windows XP Boot Disk.

8. Type “expand d:i386hal.dl_”  for d: Being the CD-ROM drive letter. This will copy the file back to its original location.

9. You might be prompted to overwrite, If you’re prompted to overwrite the file, press Y.

10. Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.

Windows XP should now start normally.

Second Method:

For the second method you would need an the same version of windows that is running on your PC.

For example: If you are running Windows XP Home on the PC that doesn’t start or boot, then you need a Windows XP Home installation disk.The same Applies to Windows XP Pro. or Professional.

1. Insert a Windows XP Boot Disk and restart the computer.

2. Press any “Enter” key to boot from the Windows XP Boot Disk when prompted during start-up. If you don’t see the this message than you’ll need to change the boot sequence in the bios.

3. In the Windows XP Professional /Home Setup screen, Press Enter to Continue.

4. Press the F8 Key to agree to the license agreement.

5. In the Second Windows XP Professional /Home Setup screen Press R to Repair.

6, When you press the R key to repair Windows will automatically install all the necessary file so it can boot and work properly, similar to a windows installation.

7. Once done your computer will reboot, you will probably be prompted to re-enter the Windows Product key.

That is it..

Video Tutorial:

Miguel

I started this tech blog back in 2011 as a place to write down processes I took to fix my client systems and network. Now I write some tips and tricks to help others with the tech issues that one might encounter.

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