Missing hal.dll after windows updates

kilodog

Honorable
Jun 17, 2012
7
0
10,510
Hello,
After running all the windows updates, I got a message "the following file is missing or corrupt: <Windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
I do not have the windows disc anymore, how do I replace this file?
 

kilodog

Honorable
Jun 17, 2012
7
0
10,510
I am a phreakin idiot I guess because I ran windows recovery from the hp setup screen that comes on before windows boots. It erased all audio and video drivers. It had said it would not delete my data, just remove any programs that had not been shipped with it.
 

kilodog

Honorable
Jun 17, 2012
7
0
10,510

The computer did come with a system restore partition. I don't know how to access it or can that be done from Bios Cmos? I also made a set of backup discs way back when.

The recovery option I chose said it would do a factory reset and then I could just go in and reinstall all my software. But the factory-reset option removed all my audio and video drivers and now I can't even see the screen!
I don't have any of my Dos notes and lord knows I can't remember any of it!

Any hope that you could walk me thru the necessary steps to restore things? I am just so frustrated!