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Hal.dll missing errors during fresh install on new HDD

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DoorsUK

Junior Member
I happened to come across on my computer that was infected with a virus (I'm not sure what it was now about a month ago) and I ran programs such as TDSS Killer and Combofix to try to solve the problem. After following many guides i had failed to remove the virus completely so decided to have done with the hard drive and get rid! However upon installing a new WD 160 gig hard drive (after I could afford one) and attempting to install windows XP I cannot get past the very beginning where upon using the XP cd it goes to load the setup files and immediatly before it should show the options screen either BSODS or gives me one of these errors:

Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem.

Could not read from the selected boot disk. Check boot path and disk hardware.

Please check the Windows documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware reference manuals for additional information.

And:

Windows_root\System32\Hal.dll missing or corrupt:



Ive tried many iterations of XP old versions, the latest and so far all have failed either on disc or USB to complete the reinstall.

If any help can be given I would greatly appreciate it.


Cheers
Doors

P.S I have read this article on http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477 however it has been no use as im trying a fresh install.
 
It sounds like your Windows installation disk may be damaged. I've encountered similar problems in the past. I would suggest borrowing a good legal copy of Windows to re-install your OS. This is legal as long as you have your own legal copy with a valid installation key which is proof that you own a legit license.

The disk you use should be the same type and close to the same vintage (OEM or retail, SP1, SP2, etc.) because Microsoft uses different keys for various versions so all legit keys won't work with all legit installation disks.

You could also try contacting Microsoft's support to ask for help with a damaged, legitimate copy of Windows.

Side note -- I always make backup image files of my legal software so I can burn a new installation disk in case the original becomes damaged.

Good luck. 🙂
 
Ive got legit cds that are undamaged, that were infact unopend until the other day and they're not upgrades they are proper SP1 XP install disk's. This is why im stumped I cant even get past the first stage of the blue GUI when booting from CD. All it does is goes to load the drives and files to start the install and just fails! I cant get to the format options let alone a stage to enter a key.

I am certain it is not the disks that im using.
Cheers for your input so far.
DoorsUK
 
Have you tried running through a Ubuntu installation to see if that fails at all - just thinking of ways to narrow down the issue, also - can you install off a USB drive or similar?
 
Your hard drive may be "new" but a gorilla at the store or UPS may have made a 50 yard pass with it. Run the HDD diags from the Western Digital website.
 
spherrod said:
Have you tried running through a Ubuntu installation to see if that fails at all - just thinking of ways to narrow down the issue, also - can you install off a USB drive or similar?
Click to expand...

Ive tried ubunto and its been awhile since ive installed, it so i describe it the best i can. When I load the Ubunto CD it spins says its loading the kernal or something it flashes by so quickly then it goes black and shows a logo that is a films strip = a man standing in a circle and goes black and restarts.

I have also tried booting via usb, and also as a last ditch hope a usb vista installer that a friend gave me. Ive even tried swapping ram to no avail!

Gunbuster said:
Your hard drive may be "new" but a gorilla at the store or UPS may have made a 50 yard pass with it. Run the HDD diags from the Western Digital website.
Click to expand...

Ive checked it on another PC it works fine.
 
Last edited:
DoorsUK said:
Ive tried ubunto and its been awhile since ive installed, it so i describe it the best i can. When I load the Ubunto CD it spins says its loading the kernal or something it flashes by so quickly then it goes black and shows a logo that is a films strip = a man standing in a circle and goes black and restarts.
Click to expand...
It actually restarts, it doesn't just go black? Linux installs require VGA output, they don't support DVI or HDMI (or maybe just not HDMI).
 
Here's what I would do.

1) get something to boot up correctly. Ubuntu liveCD, rescue stick USB thumb drive, etc...

If you can't get anything to boot correctly, then start troubleshooting hardware.

If you can't get a liveCD to boot, then you should look at the following in order:

a) DVD drive, CD ROM drive -- I can't tell you how many times I've had a DVD drive fail, leaving me scratching my head on a new install. Usually the CD ROM laser dies, so it can only read DVDs.
b) Memtest
c) don't overclock
d) pull out all of the hardware components and put them back in.
e) PSU -- a PSU will age over time and lose it's power/stability, so if it's old it may not work as well as it used to.

2) once you get a live CD working, you should be able to boot and XP CD and install, if not, you have more hardware issue.

I doubt that the HDD is the issue, symptoms of that are generally, very very slow installs, with write errors.
 
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