Major problem with XP

[MHNI]

I just started my computer and it says (after POST) that Windows root\System 32.hal.dll is bad or corrupt and needs to be re-installed?

[MHNI]

regarding this error message....I tried to install XP on a brand new drive and it is not allowing the CD to start......I am really lost, I can you copy "windows root\system 32.hal.ll" when the screen just stops there?

If I wanted to install XP HOME on a brand new drive.....would the CD-ROM get started and go through the install? Any ideas?

[Sylvander]

See this
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330184&Product=winxp

[Paul Komski]

Since this is a new drive it sounds like something has gone astray and either the drive is bad or there has been a partial and bad installation to begin with.

Get the HDD maker's diagnostic utility from the website and run the diagnostics on it. Then zero/wipe the drive with it or a utility such as WipeOut (http://www.lurkhere.com/~nicefiles/index.html)

Then boot from the installation CDROM once more (ensuring the bios setup is enabled to boot from the CDROM).

[MHNI]

I reformatted the drive and re-installed XP...it works beautifully.....thanks for your help!