" Windows cannot start because file is missing or corrupt

[Tatchina]

I am working on a Dell SX280. I keep getting error at reboot, I am having problems re-imaging pc..I tried with 2 different images on a DVD but got a error" " Windows could not start because file is missing or corrupt:<Windows root>system32\hal.dll..

I have certified hd, swapped out hd, also swapped out systemboard twice and still gets this same error after image is restored..

All green diags lights which typically states that all is fine....I am at a lost of what to do next???

Pls HELP!!!

"YOUR EXPECTATIONS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINATION"

 

[wahnula]

Is this image valid with the Dell hardware? Has it run on this chipset in the past? It sounds like an incorrect image for the hardware.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[BadBigBen]

Have you tested RAM?

you could always REPAIR the install, then do a NEW image, as it sounds like the images are either corrupt or the RAM is corrupt...

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
support.microsoft.com/kb/315341



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.

 

[Tatchina]

The image is compatiable, I have used the same image to restore another pc in my office, which worked fine...I even tried restoring the image directly from our server and same problem...this problem only occurs on this pc..

"YOUR EXPECTATIONS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINATION"

 

[wahnula]

I have used the same image to restore another pc in my office...

...but was the PC the exact same make & model number?

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[Tatchina]

yep, they are all SX280's...

"YOUR EXPECTATIONS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINATION"

 

[kmcferrin]

HAL.DLL is part of the Hardware Abstraction Layer. There are a number of different HALs that can be used depending on the PC, and it is very important that you have the correct HAL loaded for the hardware you are using. The biggest concern is the difference between ACPI HALs and Standard PC HALs.

According to this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309283

The HAL.DLL file is for a standard, non-ACPI computer. I'm guessing that your image was made for a non-ACPI system but that your problematic PC is an ACPI system. Sometimes ACPI can be enabled/disabled via the BIOS, so you may just need to change a BIOS setting. In the link above there are a list of what image types can be applied to which types of PC.

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[Tatchina]

I will look in the bios and see if this feature has been disabled...thanks...

"YOUR EXPECTATIONS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINATION"