HELP! Window xp crashed

Windows xp crashed, wont even open. I get an error: <windows root> / system32/hal.dll is missing or corrupt. I dont have a xp disk, it did not come with the pc when i bought it. Came with xp already on it. Any suggestions? This is my second pc using now. No problems.

 

I put in a cd (xp reinstallation cd) and it wont even read it. The error just pops up. I will try the 2 links you provided.

 

i found out i do not have the xp disk. it is a Dell and have had it for 5 years. need to find out how to get one i guess. my other pc did not come with one either.

 

Actually i did have to use it about a year ago. that must be why it wont do anything now. If that is the case i may have to buy another OS or are there any sites i can get one?

 

This time it did read the disk and started but came back with another error: INF file txtsetup.sif is corrupt or missing status 47872 setup cant continue:confused