When I start up my computer an error comes up saying the HAL.DLL file is missing. I have searched this problem and it seems to be a corrupt BOOT.INI file. The main solution I found is to change the attributes on the Recovery Console (Attrib -H -R -S C:\Boot.ini), then delete the file (Del C:\Boot.ini) and finally use the command of BootCfg /Rebuild. When I try this I encounter a number of problems. When changing the attributes, I get the message 'The paramater is not valid' or 'The system cannot find the file or directory specified'. I used the DIR C: command to show me the list of files in the C: directory, but only 5 files came up (bootex.log, found.000, ntdetect.com, ntldr, System Volume Information). The same response of 'No matching files were found' comes up to the command to Del C:\Boot.ini. Finally, when I try BootCfg /Rebuild, I get the following response: 'Failed to successfully scan disks for Windows installations. This error may be caused by a corrupt file system, which would prevent BootCfg from successfully scanning. Use Chkdsk to detect any errors'. I ran a Chkdsk command as well as a Chkdsk /r command, and everything seems fine. Any solutions to these problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

First it was NTLDR is missing (according to your other post noted below) and now it is HAL.dll is missing. If you have not used native Windows XP CD disc to install Windows, then grin & bear the fact that all repair options does not apply to OEM machines that came with Windows preinstalled, and that all you can do is use Dell Recovery disc to restore Windows. Oh btw please do not duplicate post. http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/... i_Xp/VistaUser