I can't get the computer to turn on, so I cannot even get to the Start->Control Panel part

annietet21,

See if the information here helps.

annietet21,

Go to the Link Denny posted and scroll down to Hal.Dll is missing, Option 1 & Option 2. You will need a Reinstall CD to boot from.

I tried both of them and they will not work.  When I try the recovery console, it asks for my admin password and says that it is incorrect, even though I know it is thw right password.  When I try to load in safe mode with command prompt it take me back to the same page.

If you do not know your admin password, then your pretty much left with performing a format/reinstall of your system ( or at least a parallel install so you could then backup any data needed followed by a format/reinstall)

Yes and No.

Yes, you install it on the partition that already contains the operating system. Then when you have you second copy of windows on your computer. Backup the files needed.

Yes you could leave the system the way it is with this second copy on it, but I woudlnt. After backing up your data with this second windows OS, I would completly erase everything (format/reinstall) especiall to recover the disk space from the first OS.

If you need instructions on complelting the parallel install -> http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxphome/installxpwindowsparallel/part2.htm

annietet21,

If you are using XP Home Edition.

 Have you tried this?

3/When you reach the Welcome to Setup screen choose the Repair option by pressing R

4/ This will start the Recovery console and the list of Windows installations will appear

5/ As you only have one installation on your PC you need to press the number which is relevant to your installations location. This, obviously will typically be 1

6/ Type in your Administrator password. If you are using Windows XP Home edition the administrator password is blank by default so simply press Enter

7/Now type bootcfg/list

8/ A list will now appear of all the entries in your boot.ini file

9/ Next type bootcfg/rebuild

10/ Your boot.ini file should now be repaired

11/ Finally remove your XP CD from the CD-ROM and then type Exit

12/ Reboot your machine to see if the the problem has been cured

So, if I run setup on the same partition that the 1st xp is on and backup my files can I leave it like that or will I need to erase one of the operating systems?