How do I fix this: <windows root>\system32\hal.dll.

[Deaf-Dave1]

<windows root>\system32\hal.dll. This is preventing my PC from starting up. How do i fix it?

[zoey7886]

@Deaf-Dave1, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding hal.dll Error in Windows! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

The error message indicating <windows root>\system32\hal.dll is missing or corrupt typically means that the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) dynamic link library (DLL) file is either missing or corrupted, which prevents Windows from starting. Here are steps to resolve this issue:

Causes of the Error:

1. Corrupt or missing hal.dll file.
2. Incorrect or corrupt boot.ini configuration.
3. Failure in the hardware such as HDD or SSD.

Steps to Fix:

Restart the Computer:

• Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues.

Boot into Recovery Mode:

• Insert the Windows installation CD/DVD/USB.
• Restart the computer and boot from the installation media.
• Select your language preference and click "Next".
• Click “Repair your computer”.

Use Startup Repair:

• Startup Repair will attempt to fix issues preventing Windows from booting.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Command Prompt Repairs:

After booting from the installation media, navigate to the Command Prompt from the recovery options.

• bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands will attempt to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), create a new boot sector, and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) respectively.

Restore hal.dll from the installation media:

Navigate to the Command Prompt from recovery options.

Copy the hal.dll from the installation media to the system:

• copy x:\i386\hal.dll c:\windows\system32\hal.dll

(Replace x: with the drive letter of the installation media and c: with the drive letter of the Windows installation).

Check Boot Configuration:

At the Command Prompt, type and edit the boot.ini file if needed:

• bootcfg /rebuild

Follow the prompts to rebuild a new boot.ini file.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,