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"
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
- Restart the PC. The hal.dll error could be a fluke.
- 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.
- 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.