"Access is denied" to EVERYTHING in DOS

[evilmantis]

Well, i put in the new hard drive and it is finally being recognized. But here's the current issue. I got the hal.dll error message. Tried all of the workarounds I could find on the internet. However, many of them require editing the files, but whenever I try to modify any of the files, I get access is denied! Example:
C:\>cd windows
Access is denied.


What?? I am stuck here in DOS and don't know what to do! Advice?
TIA

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Is this a CLEAN install on a new (blank) drive?

Try pulling all cards except the vid card, disable all onboard devices (sound, NIC, Firewire, etc) and disconnect all USB devices. WindowsXP (especially SP2 slipsteam versions) have major issues with device drivers. You connect the devices after the install and then deal with installing the drivers.

Hope this helps...

 

[evilmantis]

It is a clean install. I can't get to the cards to disconnect them -- this is a laptop. I am having alot of trouble getting to anything at all. Any chance this could be something more, like a BIOS or other issue?