"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."

This is a common error and I see all kinds of troubleshooting online. This message has come on my computer many times. The error has probably happened at least 5 times and I had to reformat my hard drive each time. None of the online solutions helped besides reformatting. I maintain my computer with recent updates and Norton. I also noticed that when I install some LEGIT programs, my computer tends bring this error.

My computer is around 8 years old that uses XP SP2 but I can’t afford a new one. Is there a way to prevent this hal.dll error? Should I buy a new hard drive? I replaced my original hard drive around maybe 4 years ago with a Seagate Barracuda (currently using). One weird thing to note is that the hard drive has worked when under a hard drive enclosure. Not sure about now. Any suggestions?