[M1ckvb]

First, I have had the problem where my hal.dll file gets corrupt or deleted after rebooting my PC. I have to reload Windows to correct the problem. It
keeps happening and I have anti-virus, malware spybot software looking for what may cause the problem but it never finds anything wrong. The only way
I can stay alive is by keeping my computer ON but eventually it has to reboot for either a Windows upgrade or whatever.
I initially was able to correct the problem with the Windows recovery disc but now that doesn't work either. I don't want to reformat the hard drive but I know it may have to be done.
This happens with or without service pack 3 for Windows XP. It is working now but eventually when it reboots it will do it (corrupt or missing hal.dll file) again.
The second problem was by accident and is somewhat embarrassing, I thought that resetting the bios to the original factory settings would help. Well now I have to pick F1 to continue or F2 to go to bios setup when it boots. I haven't noticed the changes using F2 that would cause the computer top do this. But whenever I hit F1 the PC comes up but the sound is messed up, crackles & distorted. I have reloaded audio drivers and my sound blaster but the problem persists. How can I fix the bios issue cause I feel that is causing the sound problem as well.
Mike

[crazy4laptops]

take a quick look here
www.pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/missinghaldll.htm
also, you might want to try last known good configuration to iron out all the problems that keep coming back
or the last resort, backup files, format the drive and re-insall xp
Message was edited by: coastie65 - Fixed link

[LincolnSpector]

Hi, Mike. Let's concentrate on the hal.dll problem.

That's one of those ridiculously misleading error messages. What it usually means is that the computer has been told to look for Windows in a particular location and it's not there. It often means that the boot.ini file is missing or corrupt.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by correcting the problem with the "Windows recovery disc." If you have an actual Microsoft Windows XP CD, you should be able to fix the problem with a repair install. This replaces the Windows program files without changing your settings. If you mean a recovery disc that came with your PC, what it can do depends on what the makers of that CD thought it convenient to put into it. All too often, that means reformatting your hard drive and returning Windows to its factory condition.

Lincoln