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About Richard Rost
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I am happy to answer any questions about how to USE Microsoft Windows XP. Also, please be sure to check the Windows Tips & Tricks and Windows XP Tutorials sections of my web site.

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I have been using Windows XP since it first came out. I have been teaching Windows (all versions) in the classroom since 1994, and online through computer tutorials since 2002.

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I have been volunteering on AllExperts in the categories of Microsoft Access, Visual Basic, and Weight Loss for many months now.

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I have created a line of computer tutorials online at www.WindowsLearningZone.com and www.599CD.com/Windows.

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Personally, I am self taught. I've learned everything I know from books and trial & error. If I don't know the answer, I know how to find it.

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I have over 20,000 happy clients worldwide.

You are here: Experts > Computing/Technology > Focus on Windows > Windows XP > WinXP Pro Installation

Windows XP - WinXP Pro Installation

Expert: Richard Rost - 10/5/2008

Question
I installed WinXP Pro successfully on a drive that previously had Win98 SE :)

I messed up installing a device, so I re-installed WinXP Pro again, and successfully.

I messed up on another thing again, so I tried to re-install WinXP Pro all over again.

This time however, right after doing all it does before a new installation it just parked!

'Windows can not start.
<windows root>\system32\hal.dll is missing or corrupted.
Please replace this file ( or something to that effect.)

??? WinXP is not installed so how can I 'replace' this file?

After spending nearly 2 days cleaning, FDISKing, and just as installation is about to start, the message comes up the same.
I even cleared the CMOS, reset BIOS to 'Best Configuration'
but ... the error bravely persists!

Where does that error come from? Could it be on the HDD MBR?
I'd hate to toss a perfectly good 40MB HDD in the trash.

If you heard of any such thing, any hints would be *really* appreciated.

Thanks!

Jerry

Answer
I've never heard of this error before. Have you tried Googling it? Sounds like you have a bad copy of Windows, or your hard drive is on the way out.

Let me know if you have any other questions or comments.

Also, be sure to visit my FREE Windows Tips & Tricks Page at http://www.599cd.com/tips/Windows?key=AllExperts

Cordially,

Richard Rost
599CD Computer Training
http://www.599cd.com

P.S. Try one of my FREE tutorials at http://www.599cd.com/Windows?key=AllExperts

P.P.S. I volunteer my time at AllExperts to help people, and I get a LOT of questions, so I can't take an hour to answer each question. If you need more DETAILED HELP, come to my TechHelp web site at http://www.599cd.com/TechHelp/AllExperts and I'll take as much time as you need to answer your question.

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