My dell computer will not start because the following file is missing or corrupt [windows root ]\system32\hal.dll.

To repair missing or corrupted system file/s, boot up with the Windows installation CD then - Press R to repair when instructed. Press 1 or Enter to repair the C:\Windows folder. Then type chkdsk /r and then press Enter. The repair process will take quite a long time.

You need to repair your windows, with either using Recovery or get the external CD then reinstall operating system. Hal.dll usually still in your system32 folder but corrupted..

Boot to the WIndows XP CD (Press spacebar when prompted to press any key) at first prompt in setup, press R to enter recover console.
At the C:\Windows\System32\> prompt type bootcfg /rebuild then press enter
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330184
reboot see if error resolved.
If not then try running diagnostics by pressing Fn plus power button, see if there is a HDD malfunction

Search hall.dll on computer or internet and copy paste into C:\wondows\system32

You did not mention what is the manufacturer and what is the operating system you have but you can try following:

hal.dll is the file which protects your hardware devices to access the memory directly. HAL ( Harware Abstraction Layer).

To repair hal.dll we would require the recovery discs else you can try recovery console in your computer

1. press the power button and keep tapping on F 11 for HP computer and ctrl+F11 for Dell computer
2. check if you get a Recovery Manager
3. you can perform a recovery from here

Hello,

• "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."
  
  
• "<Winnt_root>\System32\Hal.dll missing or corrupt:
  Please re-install a copy of the above file."
  
  
• "Cannot find \Windows\System32\hal.dll"
  
  
• "Cannot find hal.dll"

The "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error displays shortly after the computer is first started. Windows XP has not yet fully loaded when this error message appears. CauseCauses of the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error include, naturally, a damaged hal.dll DLL file or a hal.dll file that has been deleted or moved from its intended location.Additional causes may include a damaged or missing boot.ini file or possibly a physically damaged hard drive.

Please let me know you have any further questions or concerns.

Thanks.

Hi
There are few different ways that the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error may present itself, with the first listing being the most common

Use the following links
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000490.htm
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/missinghaldll.htm

Note: if the repair is not successful then you would have to redo the entire OS. This would mean data loss on the computer.

Thanks for using Fixya
proton

1. Verify the boot.ini file is found on the computer by using a boot diskette or use your Windows CD to get to the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt.
2. From this prompt edit the boot.ini, verify that it is pointing to the correct operating system, and that no anomalies are found within the file. Below is a listing of what to verify

• If only one operating system is on the computer verify that the boot.ini only has one operating system listed. In some situations an alternate configuration line may be added for the same operating system, leaving the improper line.
• Verify that the "default=" line as well as the operating system line are the same and that they are pointing to the correct operating system.

Verify that the computer has the hal.dll file

From the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt quickly determine if your computer has the "hal.dll" file by typing "dir hal.dll /s" at the prompt. If the computer returns a "File not found" message, the hal.dll has been deleted.

To recover this file boot the Windows operating system CD and choose the option to "Restore", "Repair", or "Recover." This option will prompt you for the Windows installation to use, the administrators password and will allow you to restore the proper file. At the MS-DOS prompt type the below command.

expand C:\i386\hal.dl_ D:\windows\system32\

In the above example "D" would be the letter of your CD-ROM drive and "C" the letter of the drive your operating system is installed on. For example, your disc drive may be D: and your hard drive is likely C:.

http://www.notebookera.com/

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
Take out the CD ROM and type exit

Regards