XP Home Reinstall Problem

[VirgilC]

Pursuant to an NAV alert, I removed a file that
deleted hal.dll.. now unable to restore an image
with Drive Image.. nor reload XP Home from the HD
recovery system.. nor utilize the recovery console
of an XP CD.. "missing or corrupted hal.dll"..

Can anyone advise if I would experience the same
problem if I purchased a new XP CD ?

Jerry Conkling
jerryc@northarkansas.net

 

[bcastner]

You would have the same issue, assuming you have a "real" XP CD and not a Recovery CD from the computer manufacturer.

If you only have a Recovery CD, yes a "real" XP CD would let you fix this problem in most cases through either Recovery Console or a repair reinstallation of XP.

You can workaround this by using the Setup floppy method to access Recovery Console:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310994

See the instructions by Alex Nichols at the bottom of this page, Option #2:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm

 

[bcastner]

Note: the file you need to use the Expand command to create HAL.DLL can vary:

Best guess:
i386 source file: i386\halaacpi.dll
Computer type: ACPI Uniprocessor PC
Copy to this folder: windows\System32
Rename to this file name: hal.dll


Other possiblity:

i386 source file: i386\halacpi.dll
Computer type: Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC
Copy to this folder: windows\System32
Rename to this file name: hal.dll

In any case you want to type the following command in Recovery console, (I am using drive letter d: for the location of the CD Drive):

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

 

[VirgilC]

bcastner.. I am running a 3yr old IBM desktop, which has
the XP Home recovery on a hard disk partition.. which will
not restore.. missing or corrupt hal.dll, after loading
XP Home.. also have a set of 3 product recovery CDs from IBM, which I understood were to return the computer to its delivery state..

I made the 6 setup floppies, but the resultant setup
would not recognize the "product recovery CDs"..

Guess my next step is to purchase a new XP system and
start wrestling with the recovery console or repair
reinstallation as you suggested..

Very much appreciate your efforts to help !

VirgilC

 

[bcastner]

Use the floppies to access Recovery Console, not for a Setup.

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/q307/6/54.asp&NoWebContent=1

 

[VirgilC]

Thanks again.. tried that.. could not access the
recovery console.. couldn't get past the "administrative
password requirement"..

It is my recollection that I did not establish a password..
but pressing enter was not accepted.. tried the only
password I have ever used on a computer.. not accepted..
nor was my XP user name..

I am hoping that the purchase of a new XP system will
avoid the password problem.. as there would not have
been an opportunity to establish such..

You people have my admiration for the efforts you put
in trying to help dummies like me..

Jerry

 

[bcastner]

On many OEM pre-installs they leave a keyboard hook to recovery console.

Try hitting F10 during startup. F12 is also used by some manufacturers.