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Hal.dll Missing or Corrupt?

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CarKing

Registered
Joined
Nov 28, 2003
So when I start up a computer, I get the following error:
Winnt_root\System32\Hal.dll missing or corrupt:

Please re-install a copy of the above file.
I have gone through the steps on the microsoft website doing to chkdsk, and the bootcfg /rebuild and neither seems to work. What is odd is that after doing the rebuild, Windows will start up fine and everything will work, but if I restart the computer, I will get the error again, then I do the rebuild and it starts working again.

I have also replaced the hal.dll file with the windows disk and that didn't resolve it. Is there anything else I can try before reformatting and giving up the fight??:cry:
 
I would imagine that you would have to use the HAL.DLL file that was installed with the service packs AND NOT on the disk. Though, I could be wrong and Windows will determine whether it's the correct version or not.

So, when you "replaced" the file, you actually "expanded" the file on the Windows CD to the system32 directory?

Also, you need to mention WHAT O/S you are using? If it was XP, you can try using the recovery console. If Vista or W7, they don't have a recovery console but instead, system recovery tools.
 
Once in Windows after performing a bootcfg /rebuild from the RC, post the contents of the Boot.ini (Start | Run | Type sysdm.cpl, and click OK | Advanced tab--> Settings under Startup and Recovery | Under System Startup, click Edit.) This opens the file in Notepad, where you can copy then paste it into this thread. Your Boot.ini should look similar to this...

Code:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

You could also try this... Start | Run | Type msconfig, and click OK | "Boot.ini" tab | Click the "Check all boot paths" button. The System Configuration utility will then verify each line mentioned in the Boot.ini to check if it's valid. If any orphaned or incorrect entries are detected, you'll be prompted with a dialog offering to remove them from the Boot.ini. And post your complete system spec's in detail.
 
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Well the boot.ini check was fine, file looked good, memory was good, recovery console in Win Xp didn't change anything. I am thinking there was some virus in the computer and it looks like I will be reformatting unless there is some miracle last minute tip!

Thanks for all of the ideas so far. This site has saved my life a handful of times! :comp:
 
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