Strange happened today while PC was running at home today...Got back from work and saw the following error message: “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt. Windows\System32\Hal.dll” What happened and what can I do about it? I have 3 HDs...Primary HD with the Windows XP Pro is a 150 GB Raptor drive (Roughly 60% free HD) and (2) 320 GB Seagate HDs. Running 3 GB RAM. Not sure what to do here...Any advice?
So after trying Repair Console with the XP CD, learned that part of the problem stems from the PC not recognizing or 'seeing' the primary HD (My 150 GB Raptor drive) which has the OS on it...So, can't copy and load a hal.dll file onto it or use Repair Console to repair it. Talked to Microsoft support last night ('Milt' from India...I mean, come on)...I know, I know...Waste of time...Guy really seemed to be an idiot as he sounded as if he was simply trying to read about possible solutions while we were on the phone together...Had no confidence in what he was going to do...Truth is, I was already trying things I had already googled possible solutions to (bootcfg /rebuild, etc)...Unfortunately, none of them worked....'Milt' did, however, suggest trying something else and shutting down the PC, disconnect my Secondary and Tertiary HDs (SATA connections) and seeing if it will boot up that way...Haven't tried it yet but will attempt later today. Makes me wonder if the HD has really failed or if there is M/B or other error that is causing the Primary HD not to be recognized. Sound familiar?
http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/manual.htm here is where I get ideas from, I have never had the HAL error, but the schematic may help.
Thanks for the link, looks very helpful. Tried the earlier suggestion from 'Milt' and couldn't get the PC to boot up with only the primary HD connected...Strange. Not sure where to go from here.
Try booting from a secondary hard drive, or try booting from the Windows CD? If none of these things goes right, it might be a motherboard or a cable connection issue. Perhaps unplug and replug all your cables and connections perhaps?
