Missing Or Corrupt Hal.dll Error Resolution

Error Messages due to Hal.dll Error

• "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file.'
• "/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"

Resolution
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.

4. Repair or replace the boot.ini file. This will work if the cause of the problem is actually Windows XP's boot.ini file and not the hal.dll file, which is often times the case.

Note: If repairing the boot.ini does correct the hal.dll issue but the problem reappears after a reboot and you've recently installed Internet Explorer 8 in Windows XP, uninstall IE8. In this specific situation, IE8 could be the root cause of your hal.dll problem.

source:
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/missinghaldll.htm