Can't boot up

[Suspect]

I have just installed a new PSU in a formerly dead computer. Now when I try to boot up it goes in this endless loop from start-up options screen to start-up options screen. None of the options actually gets windows to load. I've been through all of the options in Advanced start-up also. How can I figure out where the configuration problem is if I can't start the thing up?

[merlin_2]

System specs are!

[Suspect]

eMachines T1440
Celeron 1.4 GHZ
256K RAM
40 GB HDD
CD-RW
Non-functional 3.5" Drive

[Raptor]

Try the following:

1. Before Windows starts, press F8
2. Choose last known good configuration
3. Press Enter.

[Suspect]

I've tried that. It just brings me back to that screen. Can I check the config that windows is working with against the config of the achine in question? I can place the hdd in question in another machine and access the files.

[Raptor]

Have you removed this HDD with an installation of Windows on it and then placed it in another computer? That may explain why it will not boot.

[Suspect]

I removed the drive with an installation of windows on it, and then put the drive back into the computer from whence it came. However, in an attempt to make the windows that it has compatible with a different machine, I copuied a hal.dll file to it that was not the same as the original.

[pcdoc4christ]

...I copuied a hal.dll file to it that was not the same as the original.

Suspect:

The HAL.dll you copied is most likely the cause of the problem.  Windows needs the correct HAL to communicate with your system's hardware.  Did you make a backup copy of the old HAL before you replaced it with the current one?

If not, doing a repair installation may be your only option:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

Regards,
Doc