I can't start my laptop due to the Window/system32/hal.dll file is missing.

It shows:

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Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<windows root>/system32/hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file 


I have very very important files and pictures in my laptop. I hope that I can solve the problem without losing the files.

Please help me.....

Boot into SafeMode if you can't get in otherwise. At the startup screen where your computer information is displayed and checked (POST), let it load and then hit F8 repeatedly and it should show you a screen giving you options on how to load up Windows. Safe Mode loads up the minimum drivers and resources needed to bootup Windows. Choose Safe Mode there by using the arrow keys and then hit enter. It should load into Windows now with minimum resources running.

Here's more on how to get in to Safe Mode:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.c...id=1643&page=2

If you have the Windows XP CD put in inside the drive and then go to Start > Run - Type: sfc /scannow > hit Enter and it should be restored fully if missing and repaired if corrupt. All Windows protected files will be replaced this way.

This procedure may take a long time depending on how many errors you have and your CPU speed.

On the other hand this can also be if you have spyware/anti-virus and/or a problem elsewhere on your PC. But we'll leave that for yet.

Let us know how that goes.

After pressing "F8", it shows

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Select first boot device
IDE-0                     : IC25N020ATMR04-0
CD/DVD-0              :  HL-DT-STCD-RW/DVD DRIVE GCC-424 


Which one should I choose? I know nothing about computer, pls help. All the important doucuments I saved are in Drive D instead of drive C. Does my choice affect the 2 drives?

Thanks a million for replying and guide me.

Read the first link I gave you on how to enter into SafeMode and what that should look like. Your mobo seems a little like mine, so you may have to wait and as soon as the first screen is about to change at loadup, then start hitting F8 and it should get you to the menu in the link.

Like this:

Originally Posted by here's in summary

To get into the Windows 2000 / XP Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.
Trouble Getting into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe mode - If after several attempts you are unable to get into Windows 2000 or Windows XP safe mode as the computer is booting into Windows, turn off your computer. When the computer is turned on the next time Windows should notice that the computer did not successfully boot and give you the safe mode screen.
Note: With some computers if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.