OK ... see if we can do the following as described here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c00188679

That example uses Ntoskrnl.exe whereas we are working with hal.dll

The first step is to see if you have the Recovery Console option as seen here

Use the following steps to open a command prompt environment:
1. Turn on the PC and press the F8 key repeatedly when the first screen appears.
2. The Windows advanced options menu appears.
3. Use the Up and Down Arrow and Enter keys to select Return to OS choices.
4. Select Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

okay my model is a hp pavillion a320n, I thought it was 3200 but this is the correct one...

OK ... The steps are the same to the Recovery Console. Can you follow my last post and that link to see if you can access the Recovery Console?

If you can try these commands:

If you cannot boot into Windows I would suggest first trying the Recovery Console:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;307654

To try to fix the boot:

Assuming that your XP is on C: then:

Type:

FIXMBR C:

then enter. After that completes type:

FIXBOOT C:

then enter. After that completes type:

BOOTCFG /rebuild

then enter. After that completes type:

EXIT

then reboot.

If in the process you are asked to run chkdsk say YES.

Also after the BOOTCFG /rebuild you will be prompted to:

C:\Windows
1. Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All):
2. Enter Load Identifier: (Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)
3. Enter Operating System Load Options: (that is: /fastdetect)

Reply:
1. Yes
2. XP
3. /fastdetect

.......................
a320n links:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/p...&cc=us&lang=en

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...=us&rule=31315

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c00188679

I can get to safe mode but there is no option that says Microsoft Recovery Console? Could it be called something else?

Did you try all the steps here:

If "Microsoft Windows XP Recovery Console" is not listed:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c00188679