Hal.dll error

uniqsole,

If you live in the United States and are the origional owner, click below my signature and request a backup set.

How Do I Fix the "hal.dll is missing or corrupt" Error Message?

Rick

First thing to do is power on, press F12 and enter the Dell diagnostics.  Run the extended - NOT just the quick - test on the hard drive.

When they asked who the original owner was, I told them, and they still told me it had to be bought. 

This diagnostics is not working and now my laptop doesn't work either.  Is there a better way?

okay now what...

Let the test run - it takes about 90-120 minutes.  If the drive passes, see above.  As long as you're the registered owner of the system, Dell will send you the disc (yes, even out of warranty).  If you're not the registered owner, you'll need to purchase a copy of XP (same version you've got on the system).

If the drive fails, replace it.

I already requested a backup set and Dell sent me and email saying they wont send me anything cause my warranty is up.

So I need to know what I can do to fix this?

If you can't get to the diagnostics at all - not even the built in ones, something is seriously wrong with the system.  Assuming it'll complete POST to the point where Windows at least tries to load, you're looking at buying at least a copy of Windows and probably a hard drive as well.

sorry bout that.

i got the laptop as a gift, brand new from dell.  i dont understand the diagnostics all i get is pass/fail

When the fail comes up it generates an error code - usually as a hexadecimal number --- 00F0:00C1. etc. If you post that, someone can help decipher it.  If you can't, you'll need to take the system to a local computer shop and pay them to make a diagnosis.

You're not helping solve the problem with your cryptic posts.

Is this your system, or is it someone else's?  Did you buy it used?  If so, did you transfer ownership to your name?  If you did, you can get a copy of the WIndows CD for no charge at all, even out of warranty.

What hardware failure message did you receive?  It sounds like the hard drive is toast, but it's impossible to make any evaluation based on "the hardware failed which is the issue anyway".  Does the system complete power on self test, or hang partway through the boot?

I did the diagnostics and nothing happened, it said the Hardware failed which is the issue anyway.  It didnt give me an option for a Advanced scan it went straight to quick. 

I mean will buying the the backup CD help me or not cause I'm not trying to waste money?  This is really frustrating and I don't even know how to fix this....

error code: 2000-0146

So I need to buy the backup CD from Dell?  Is Windows on this CD as well?

Will the drivers need to be downloaded from the laptop or another computer?

That's better.  You have a faulty hard drive.  You'll need to purchase a new 2.5" 9.5 mm notebook SATA hard drive and reload Windows.  When you do this, you MUST install the Dell notebook system software and chipset driver IMMEDIATELY after installing Windows and BEFORE you install the rest of your drivers (all of which can be downloaded from support.dell.com).

You will need to obtain a Dell or retail copy of WIndows to do the reinstall.

You need to purchase a new hard drive, a copy of Windows, and download at least the following drivers:

The Dell notebook system software

The chipset driver

The driver for whatever you use - wired or wireless - to connect to the Internet.  Put these on a flash drive or CD and have them ready to install in that order after you load Windows.

All drivers:  support.dell.com.