missing or corrupted hal.dll

[jorgegaj]

I'm having a mayor problem with my desktop computer. A few months back I reformatted my hard drive and reinstalled Windows XP Professional. Overall, I had very minor problems, until yesterday. After I tried to start my computer I got the following message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<Windows root>\system32\hal.dll

I got my Windows XP disk and restarted my computer with no problem. Now, I'm afraid to shot down my computer, since I may have the same problem.

Is there an easy fix to this problem? Can I easily reinstall this file? and where can I find this file?

Thanks,

jorge

[Midknyte]

Before you try fixing the software, run a hard drive diag like Seatools. If the drive is bad, there is no sense in trying to repair Windows.

[jorgegaj]

Thank you very much for your prompt response. As soon as I get home I will check the hard drive.

I let you as soon as I get some new info.

jg

[jorgegaj]

I installed seatools for Windows. I'm running the program, and I get a Fatal Error: Device Discovery.
Object variable or With block variable not set. Void .ctor (System.Object).

What is the meaning of that message? Can I use Norton Utilities to check the Hard Drive?

Thanks,

jg

[jorgegaj]

I just realized that Norton Utilities doesn't check the condition of a HD. any other programs that may help me learning the condition of the HD.

Thanks

jg

[Midknyte]

You're not supposed to install Seatools. You need to run it from a boot disc. You can either download the seatools .iso or UBCD (link in my signature). You will need to know how to burn the .iso as IMAGES.

Did you even verify that it's a Seagate drive? I gave Seatools as an example. Use the diag that matches the brand of the hard drive.

Don't bother with Norton utilities.

[jorgegaj]

There is a Seatools software for Windows. After installing it I run several tests, on both of my Seagate HDs and they PASS all the tests. So I can assume that my HDs are OK. I shot off my computer and restarted it and had no problems, and didn't get any error messages. But, I know that sooner or later I will have the same problem.

Shall I try to replace the hal.dll file?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

jg

[BipolarBill]

If it works, it's fine for now. This can happen to anyone at anytime. Normally, a disk check and possibly a repair installation with the Windows CD will get you going again.

If you realy wantt o be prepared for disaster, get an extra hard drive (internal or external) and start doing regular full backups.

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

It's free!

[Midknyte]

There is a Seatools software for Windows.

Yes, I know there is a Windows version, but you shouldn't run a hard drive diag from within Windows. :rolleyes:

[jorgegaj]

So, shall I run the DOS version of Seatools? I need to figure out how to downloaded and put it on a cd.

Thanks,

jg

[Midknyte]

I guess you're ok at this point. You can either burn the seatools .iso to cd or you can download UBCD that I mentioned earlier and burn that. It has seatools plus plenty of other diags.

[jorgegaj]

I downloaded UBCD 411.iso and burned it to a CD. Keeping it near the computer, just in case I need it in a near future.

Thanks,

jg