Boot problems, and getting documents from password protected user.

OK before this is looked over as something ilegit - it's not!

Problem with my computer this morning, before xp loading screen I get -

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt :
<Windows root>\system32\hal.dll
Please reinstall a copy of the above file"

Any ideas?

Also, if I install xp to a second hard drive, will I be able to get my documents from other xp installation on my other hard drive, note that my user login is password protected.

 

Solution:

Verify that the computer boot.ini is present and not corrupted
Verify the boot.ini file is found on the computer by using a boot diskette or use your Windows CD to get to the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt.
From this prompt edit the boot.ini, verify that it is pointing to the correct operating system, and that no anomalies are found within the file. Additional information about editing the boot.ini as well as additional information about its available options can be found on document CH000492. Below is a listing of what to verify
If only one operating system is on the computer verify that the boot.ini only has one operating system listed. In some situations an alternate configuration line may be added for the same operating system, leaving the improper line.
Verify that the "default=" line as well as the operating system line are the same and that they are pointing to the correct operating system.

Verify that the computer has the hal.dll file

From the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt quickly determine if your computer has the "hal.dll" file by typing "dir hal.dll /s" at the prompt. If the computer returns a "File not found" message, the hal.dll has been deleted.

To recover this file boot the Windows operating system CD and choose the option to "restore", "repair", or "recover". This option will prompt you for the Windows installation to use, the administrators password and will allow you to restore the proper file. At the MS-DOS prompt type the below command.

expand x:\i386\hal.dl_ y:\windows\system32\hal.dll

In the above example "x" would be the letter of your CD-ROM drive and "y" the letter of the drive your operating system is installed on. If you need to determine the drive letters of your devices type "map".

If the boot.ini is found on the computer and does not appear to be corrupted and/or if the hal.dll file is missing it is recommended that you reinstall your Windows operating system.

i have not much knowledge with this, but better you have a back-up copy or cd recovery

 

Just gotta find my xp cd.....

 

....which I've lost!

 

Lol!
Keep looking! (your 'title' says it all!)

 

Cheers for the links, will give it a go later