MISSING <WINDOWS ROOT>\SYSTEM32\hal.dll

[auteckvet 60]

After downloading music on FROSTWIRE, XP locked up on me. Tried to restart via all the normal ways but nothing worked, not even control> alt>delete. So had to use the power button. When doing so, I got the TITLED error message. After much deliberation and studying past similar problems TRIED to use Recovery console and followed instructions to runthe chkdsk/r command. Computer came back with "this command is not recognized. Type HELP for a list of supported commands."
I did so and proceeded to type in numerous commands all with the same results: "this command is not recognized. Type Help for a list of supported commands."
Have I totally lost my boot record? Suggestions?
Thanks

[Monty007]

Hi, chkdsk /r has a space between chkdsk and the forward slash.
Try this page for more help http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477

[auteckvet 60]

Hi Monty
Thanks, got past that issue and did rebuild bootcfg. Followed instructions per Q314477-Method 2 and finally got back into Windows. After deleting some files, went to restart Windows and again the screen read <Windows Root>\System32\hal.dll missing. Again, I went through the same proceedure and got Windows back up and this time tried to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP according to Q289022.

This time when I got to Settings under Advanced Tab a window came up with the following System Control Panel Applet: The C:\boot.ini file cannot be opened. Operating System and Timeout Settings cannot be changed.
I clicked OK on this window and then clicked Edit under System Startup.

Another window popped up labeled NOTEPAD and inside the box it read,
Cannot find the C:\boot.ini file. Do you want to create a new file?

With that, I stopped, not sure if that was the avenue to take. What's next?
Thanks
Auteckvet 60

[auteckvet 60]

By the way forgot to mention I'm running a Dell Dimension 2400 with Intel Celeron Proc.@2.4GHZ-3GIGS DDR SDRAM@333MHZ.
Thanks
Auteckvet 60

[auteckvet 60]

Anyone else got a tip or possibly a solution for this challenge?
Really Appreciate your input.
Thanks AJ

[Monty007]

Hi, the best bet is to boot into XP save all your files and either run a repair or reformat the drive. Can you still log in?

[auteckvet 60]

Hi Monty
Yes after I run a repair, I can log in. The problem is the repair appears to be only a temporary bandaid at best. When I turn off the computer and start back up, it does the same thing all over again. In other words, screen reads missing or corrupt with the same path and file.
AJ

[Monty007]

Hi, as I said sometimes its just better to format the PC, save all your files to removable media. Do you have the driver disk? If not Post your MB make and model.

[auteckvet 60]

I got what I need to format and start over. Thanks for your help.
AJ