Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: hal.dll

So I have been trying to fix this error for the last two days:
"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<Windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file."

The commands FIXBOOT, FIXMBR, and CHKDSK /R have all run successfully.

However, when I type BOOTCFG /REBUILD, the following error appears:
Error: Failed to successfully scan disk for Windows Installations. This error may be caused by a corrupt file system.

Furthermore, when I type in BOOTCFG /LIST, it states that "there are currently no boot entries available to display".

I have on me a slipstreamed XP SP3 cd, a full Windows 7 Pro cd, a full Windows Vista SP1 cd, and a OEM XP SP2 cd in case they can be useful.

I have thousands of files on the computer than I dont want to lose (music, documents, etc).

Is there anything else I havent tried yet? The computer with the issue is a Dell Dimension E510 and it is running Windows Media Center Edition 2005.

 

Is there a way I can install the hal.dll file from a USB flash drive or a CD? I have downloaded a copy of hal.dll from dll-files.com and want to know if I could install it in this manner.

Unless my problem lies deeper than just replacing a dll file.

 

Followed the guide and it seemed to work, until I booted up and got this error:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
windows\system32\config\system
You can attempts top repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

:banghead:banghead:banghead

 

There is an article here that I found
http://forums.legitreviews.com/about6705.html

it basically states that you can install another version of Windows next to the current OS already installed? However, this article mentions nothing about creating a partition so you can install the new OS. Should I create one just to be on the safe side or should I follow the articles instructions?

Cuz I am hoping this would allow me to use the fresh installation to be able to access the old corrupted installation and fix the error or at least let me recover all my files.

Would I need a product key? If I remeber correctly, you can use Vista and XP without activation for 30 days.