[Kenstech]

I currently run windows xp on a compaq evo n610c. I recently took delivery of a disk with ubuntu 9.10, hoping to be able to run it without having to disturb windows (just in case). This was done on the advise of a friend, saying that Linux was the way forward. However, on trying to load it, I found myself going in circles. With trying the 'run from cd' option, I rebooted as instructed and found I now had an operating system menu i.e. windows Xp, ubuntu. On selecting ubuntu I found myself on a prompt screen with a 'grub' message or something ( computer illiterate i'm afraid). Now, having stupidly fiddled around, I get something like the following message:-
missing or damaged <windows root>\system32\hal.dll. However,if I select the windows Xp option windows starts fine. Please help! a) Have I done something to windows? b) Should I give up on Linux or press on? Although, I would like to learn to use it, computer idiot or not, just to future proof myself (ha,ha) and benefit from it's many apparent advantages. Thank you for any help or advise.

[jrbuergel]

The Ubuntu Linux is really user friendly and easy to install for a windows dual boot setup. Look here; http://apcmag.com/howto_category.htm?cid=198 , http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1195275 , http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php , I would just go do the full install process for Ubuntu 9.10 which is fairly easy and will re-size your windows XP partition to make room for it, and install the grub boot loader onto the master boot record. What is that specific grub error message say that you got on screen? https://help.ubuntu.com/9.10/index.html , https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall