Windows cannot starts because of the following file is missing or corrupt: \system32\hal.dll. please re-install a copy of the file above this is what i get. please dont tell me to go to you desktop and do something. It wont even let me go to the screen to sign on to my windows. i really need help on fixing this! please & thank you. im also using a dell dimension 3000 pc. and windows xp home edition

Hi, if you really want to fix this that is repairing the windows software without losing any file here is what to do 1. get a windows xp home edition cd 2. insert the cd into the system before it boots to that level 3. the system will tell you press any key to boot from cd. press a key 4. after it has loaded all files needed when it get to a point it will bring out option of pressing f8 to agree with terms and conditions make sure you press F8. 5.it will now ask do you want to repair or install a fresh copy of windows to repair press r and to install a fresh copy press enter, make sure you press enter. 6. it will now tell you that the has been a windows on the system before that do you want to repair it? now is the time to press r 7.so any other thing that happen will now be automatic, when it finishes it will restart itself and continue the installation of windows xp here you might fill some important things like name, date and time etc.