hal.dll - Missing or Corrupt

I originally got the error message that the file \system32\hal.dll was missing or invalid. So I used Compaq System Recovery, and restored my computer to the factory defaults.

Now, randomly when I startup my computer and log-on, my PC will freeze. It will start loading, the desktop loads and I can see the icons, shortcuts etc. But it will stay like that until I restart my computer. Sometimes it does this 3 or 4 times in a row.

Are there any solutions available?

 

I am guessing you are running XP. Is your HD formatted FAT32 or NFTS?

Cheers

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I remember it starting up and it said FAT32 somewhere.

Is there any way I can check?

 

I am not in XP right now but from memory My Computer>right click on the partition ie C:>select properties and look for the file system.

Cheers

 

It's NTFS.

 

The boot.ini and boot problems are probably 2 separate issues. As TimW has stated a faulty psu could well be related to your pc not booting properly but this could also be ram related or problematic software loading. Boot into safe mode and see if this problem is resolved. Also scandisk and defrag the volume just in case.

Perhaps in the first intance you could check the contents of your boot.ini file. It is located at C:\ but is a hidden file which you will need to make visible. boot.ini can in be opened in a word editor ie notepad. Check its contents. The link below will show a sample format at the bottom.

http://www.thpc.info/how/editbootini.html

Good Luck