This problem will be impossible to correct without a Windows XP CD.  A suggested solution is at:

http://www.compphix.com/corrupthal.html

Steve

Can you start in the safe mode by tapping the F8 key repeatedly on the boot up? If so, and this is a long shot, when you start up, right-click the Start button. Then file finder... In the named box, type in hal.dll. If you get this far, and get a listing for the hal.dll locations, post back for further instructions.

what is the disk call and can dell send me one i need to know what its call so that i can ask a friend of mine if he has it

thank you

Donna

Go the following site and page down about 3/4 of the way toward the bottom to see a picture of the disk you need.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?c=us&cs=19&DN=1081757&type=SRG&l=en&s=dhs

Steve

I don't work for Dell, so I can't give you a definitive answer, but I do know that the general policy as reported on these forums is that Dell will send lost CDs in the first 21 days of ownership.  Otherwise, the only thing you can do is either call them and try to convince them to ship you a CD, or bite the bullet and go out and buy a retail copy of Windows XP.  The solution suggested earlier that you find someone else with a Dell computer and borrow the CD is probably the best solution.  Nevertheless, you should give Dell Tech Support a call - you may get lucky.

Steve

Thank you for that help. but do you know if dell would send me one i think that it would be alot easier thank you

Thank you for all your help and i think that i have a friend that is going to loan me one but i am going to call dell and check to see if i can get one from there again thank you you have been more helpful then anyone else that i have talked to

donna