Error Message: Windows could not start because...

I just fired up my computer (Dell Dimension 4400 - WinXP Home) and got a black screen saying:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

<Windows Root>\system32\hal.dll

Please reinstall a copy of the above file."

I immediately whipped out my stack of CDs that came with my Dell (Windows was pre-loaded, serial # on a silver holographic-look sticker on side of computer), only to discover they didn't include the actual operating CD. The CDs I have are:

1. Drivers and Utilities - Dell Dimension resource CD for Reinstalling Device Drivers and Using Diagnostics, Utilities, and Online Documentation.

2.Applications - Dell Tools CD for Reinstalling Dell-Installed Software (Antivirus software, Support software, Multimedia software, Internet software).

3. Drivers and Utilites - For Reinstalling Conexant 56K Data/Fax Modem Software for Microsoft Windows.

4. Application - For Installing/Reinstalling Roxio Easy CD Creator 5.1 Basic.

Will any of these (obviously not the last two) contain the missing dll? How do I go about replacing this? I emailed Dell customer support and was basically told I was out of luck in obtaining the operating system from them...even tho I paid for it and never received it. As luck would have it, my warranty is up. Help!

Thanks!
-- Joy

 

This article describes how to fix your problem(and i've read elsewhere that one of your
cd's should have the file you need to point to.Look for i386

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330184&Product=winxp

 

hi i have the EXACT same problem with my dell computer. can u tell me which disk works ive tryd every single disk and nothing happens! do i need to type in some kind of command or something?