scandisk converted a corrupt system32 dir into a file. I now am unable to boot and get missing system32\hal.dll message. Can not access system32 now. Can I convert it back or restore it? Thanks

Boot from the XP CD and go past the recovery console to the install menu. Use REPAIR EXISTING INSTALLATION. It will reinstall the system. You will have to reinstall all the ms XP updates. Good luck.

I have done this but unfortunately when I go through the install steps it does not provide me a repair option and instead warns me it will overwrite existing windows install, and that I will lose my files. Bryan

If you don't format all your files will still be there but you will have to reinstall all your programs.It will completely reinstall windows.It will be like a clean install. Unless someone else has another solution this is all I can suggest. Good luck.

http://sft-cyber.com/hal.htm The Windows XP hal.dll File Is Corrupt or Missing This is the Windows "Hardware Abstraction Layer" file and is specific to the individual computer and its hardware. 1. Access the recovery console 2. Try running bootcfg/ rebuild from the console 3. Try Start>Run>CMD. sfc/sfc.exe with the original Win XP disk in place The system file checker (sfc) tool scans all protected files to verify their versions and repopulates the %Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache folder with correct versions, as described above. ============================================= http://sft-cyber.com/stoperrors.htm 8. Stop 0x00000079 or MISMATCHED_HAL---This error occurs when there is a mismatch between the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and the WinXP system files. It is often experienced on ACPI machines when ACPI BIOS settings are changed unexpectedly. Reinstall WinXP after making changes in the BIOS. See MS Knowledge Base(Q237556). ============================================ http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_haldll_missing.htm Cannot find \ Windows \ System32 \ hal.dll

With ur system32 directory gone, u won't be able to repair the HAL or anything inside it - ur only option is to go with gabep's suggestion with a fresh install 'over the top' (not a repair install). Back up any important data first. GoodLuck