Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt ???!?

<windows root>\system 32\hal.dll.


ok i somehow got this "important" file deleted. and i cant figure out how to fix it.... (im gonna cry if i cant) that computer has my life on the line.

so i have this CD and and when i put it in, it gives me 2 options: 1)one that will delete EVERYTHING in my computer but install whatever it has to and 2) another thing that does something but doesnt delete my files and what not.

im stuck here. how do i get this file back??? shouuld i call Geek Squad??? how much would that cost?

You either have a virus or (more likely) your hard drive is crashing, and that file (which is extremely critical to the operating system) was on a portion of the drive that died. Don't fret too much. This means that you cannot boot into Windows to access your files. They're still there. You just need a geeky friend (or geek squad, I suppose) to access them.

They will have 2 options:
1) Run a linux live CD (like knoppix) to gain access to the drive and copy a backup of your important files onto USB or CD.
2) Plug in your hard drive into a working computer and access your files that way, again backing up your important files.

I would recommend AGAINST using the Windows install CD that you're using as it _may_ destroy your data. Chances are, your hard drive is toast and will need to be replaced ($50-75). I'm not sure how much Geek Squad charges to back up your files, but, like any other computer repair place, expect to be ripped off (I would assume an additional $50-100???).

Edit:
Using the repair option on the windows CD will probably fix the problem temporarily, although your system may become somewhat unstable. Depending on where your important files are, it has the possibility of overwriting them and losing them forever. Just ask yourself one question: do. you. feel. lucky? punk?

the second option,,, this should only replace the missing files...

if hal is missing (not likely) tghen it is corrupt and you will need to either install fresh or manually replace the file...

Hi,
don't panic this is easy to fix, put your windows install disc into your CD drive and then reboot your system, when it boots from the disc just select the "Repair Option" and let Windows do the work for you. this will help you.