How To Fix Missing Hal.dll Errors in Windows XP

 Hal.dll Error Message

There are few different ways that the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error may present itself, with the first listing being the most common:

• "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."
  
• "<Winnt_root>\System32\Hal.dll missing or corrupt:
  Please re-install a copy of the above file."
  
• "Cannot find \Windows\System32\hal.dll"
  
• "Cannot find hal.dll"

The "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error displays shortly after the computer is first started. Windows XP has not yet fully loaded when this error message appears.
Windows 8, 7, & Vista: Hal.dll errors in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Vista are often a different issue entirely. See How To Fix Hal.dll Errors in Windows 7, 8, and Vista for help.

Cause

Causes of the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error include, naturally, a damaged hal.dll DLL file or a hal.dll file that has been deleted or moved from its intended location.
Additional causes may include a damaged or missing boot.ini file or possibly a physically damaged hard drive.

Hal.dll Error Troubleshooting

1. Restart the PC. The hal.dll error could be a fluke.
   
2. Check for proper boot order in BIOS. You might see the hal.dll error if the boot order in BIOS is first looking at a hard drive other than your main hard drive.
   
   Note: If you've recently changed your boot order or recently flashed your BIOS, this may be what's causing your problem.
   
3. Run Windows XP System Restore from a command prompt. If this doesn't work or you're receiving the hal.dll error message before you're able to complete this process, move on to the next step.