Windows could not start b/c the following file is missing or corrupt

[fishquail]

I am getting this error on startup of my computer:

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.

This started after i tried to use System Restore and my computer froze up saying system restore (not responding) so I pushed manuel restart button on computer. Now windows dosnt work, even in safe mode i still get this error.

I was running system restore b/c my computer was displaying strange behavior. It would freeze up when accessing files in windows. I am wondering if a family member installed a virus on it, but a norton scan showed nothing. Everything was working flawlessly last time i touched it. Now I am unable to even boot windows.

Hope i dont have to do a full system reformat.

 

[fishquail]

Well i fixed the current problem of not being able to boot windows:
Here is what i did:

1. boot from WinXP CD-ROM with windows setup disk in drive
2. recovery consule ("R")
3. chose installation (1: WINDOWS)
4. from command prompt
a) chkdsk /r (took 30+ mins / p4 2.8Ghz 1GB RAM)
b) bootcfg /rebuild ("yes" to save upon completion)
c) fixboot
d) fixmbr

Anyway, thanks again. I'm back in Windows.
Now my problem is getting windows to operate without "Program not responding" from windows explorer.

 

[fishquail]

Did system restore to b/f problem but still having this issue:

1. Windows explorer freezes up and when in CTRL+ALT+DEL it says not responding.

2. Hovering the mouse over the start button shows an hour glass. will not click.

3. Will not shut down/restart. have to push button.


What could this possibly be?

 

[fishquail]

You know what, this is getting long winded. never mind ill just start over.