Hi,

I hope someone can help, when I switch the computer on it automatically selects the first option 'go to earlier version of Windows', then a black screen appears saying "Windows could not start up because the following file is missing or corrupt: <Windowsroot>/system32/hal.dll. Please re-install a copy of the above file;"

If I'm very very quick I can select the second option of Windows 7 and then it loads and works absolutely fine but I want to change it so it defaults onto Windows 7 and automatically boots and loads Windows 7. I know you can go to the BIOS menu and 'boot' options when loading through the F keys but I don't want to start messing about with that without advice.

I bought it from eBay and the previous owner loaded Windows 7 so I don't have any reinstall tools and the previous owner is not being very helpful, they have offered to repair it at my cost postage both ways which will cost me over £20 so if I can just get it loading Windows 7 automatically with a few changes to the settings that would be Great!!! I have an Advent 4213 netbook.

Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance.

Denise

It's okay guys I've sorted it through Control Psanel settings.

Originally Posted by CymruDen

It's okay guys I've sorted it through Control Psanel settings.

While we can applaud your successful resolution that does not really help the next person who may encounter a similar problem. The good news is that the following search terms (implied by your latest post) help to provide several points for useful investigation:

SEARCH TERM STRING: Automatically selects "earlier version of Windows" "control panel"

Delete reference to Earlier Version of Windows - Microsoft Answers

You can go to the Control Panel, System, Advanced System Settings (in the left pane), Startup and Recovery. You can select the default OS [and select a different default OS if more than one is present]

Two other viable options are also suggested, as well.