please have mercy -message system32 hal-dll

Hello,

I really need some help please.

My laptop will not open properly or in SafeMode neither.

It shows line <Windows root> system 32\ hal.dll
Please reinstall a copy.

Please tell me if reinstalling this is safe for my files in the laptop or will they be erased.

I have many "favorites" (as in Internet adresses) and many other files saved and many hours invested and I had no idea how to do a backup of these...

Is there hope for me (please help me if you can) or at least for my favorites?

This means a lot to me, I thank you in advance for the help. Caroline

 

:wave Welcome to MajorGeeks! :major

Unfortunately, the infamous hal.dll error is not always so easy to recover from. Simply re-installing the file has never fixed this problem in my experience (over 6 years as a full time PC tech). The first thing to try is to boot to your XP install CD (I'm assuming you have Windows XP since you didn't mention it) and get yourself to the Recovery Console by pressing "R" at the appropriate time (it will say when on-screen). Then once you're there, you'd type chkdsk c: /r and press Enter. Then just let it run. It can take over 8 eight hours (usually 1-3 hours) so be patient. If you see the percentage indicator go backward, or if you think it has locked up, don't worry, just LEAVE IT ALONE and it will eventually finish. DO NOT restart the PC or shut it off during the chkdsk procedure. When it's done, type exit and press Enter, then remove your XP disc and hopefully it will boot to your desktop. HAL.DLL errors are commonly caused by file system corruption (which chkdsk will usually repair) or by messed up partition table information. Feel free to read the steps in this fix-it guide. It includes some extra steps in addition to chkdsk. It is a well written guide, complete with screen shots, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions..... good luck! Keep us posted!!
:-D

(BTW- this really isn't a "driver" problem, but no big deal )

(one other thing . . . in the command chkdsk c: /r there is a space before and after the c: and if the spaces are not included, the command will error out)

(oh yeah - yet one more thing - in the "fix it guide" I linked to, it says to run chkdsk /r /f - they leave out the c: which is OK, but they add a /f which is unnecessary; using the /r command has the /f command "built in" so typing /f is not needed)

 

Thank you so much!!!

And how do I post an official "thank you" that shows on your record?

It's my first experience in a thread........


If I'm able to apply and reboot, is that formatting my info or do I still stand a chance to recover my saved favorites?

Again, I cannot tell you thank you enough. Thanks for all the help, you rock!!!