How can I prevent the hal.dll error?

October 10, 2009

"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?

Will the virus protection lock up my computer?

July 29, 2009

I believe my friend has a virus on her computer. She was downloading from lime wire and the screen went blank. Wont boot into safe mode and she does not know if she has any virus protection. Assuming she does and it’s just not up to date here—if I pull the hard drive and put it into a hard drive enclosure and hook it up to my laptop to scan it if she has virus protection will it clash with my virus protection and lock up my laptop.