Missing Windows hal.dll file

If your Windows computer reports an error that the DLL file hal.dll is missing, follow these steps to help resolve the issue.

Verify the boot.ini is present and not corrupted

1. Verify the boot.ini file is found on the computer by using a boot diskette or use your Windows CD to get to the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt.
2. From this prompt, edit the boot.ini, verify that it's pointing to the correct operating system, and that no anomalies are found in the file.

• If only one operating system is on the computer verify that the boot.ini only has one operating system listed. In some situations, an alternate configuration line may be added for the same operating system, leaving the improper line.
• Verify that the "default=" line and the operating system line are the same and pointing to the correct operating system.

Verify that the computer has the hal.dll file

From the MS-DOS "C:\>" prompt, determine if your computer has the hal.dll file by typing dir hal.dll /s at the prompt. If the computer returns a "File not found" message, the hal.dll was deleted.

To recover this file boot the Windows operating system CD and choose the option to "Restore," "Repair," or "Recover." This option prompts you for the Windows installation to use, the administrators password and allow you to restore the proper file. At the MS-DOS prompt type the following command.

expand x:\i386\hal.dl_ y:\windows\system32\

In the example, "x" is the CD-ROM drive letter and "y" the drive containing the operating system. For example, your disc drive may be D: and your hard drive is likely C:.

Additional information about the expand command is on our expand help page.

Reinstall the operating system

If the boot.ini is found on the computer and is not corrupted, or if the hal.dll file is missing, we recommend you reinstall your Windows operating system.

• How to erase my hard drive and start over.