Windows XP Windows Root system32\hal.dll

[anduril1015]

I am trying to fix my friends laptop which he managed to break and during boot up, all I get is Windows Root system32\hal.dll is corrupt but when I attempt this fix:

For the Hal.dll file missing problem do this:
1.Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
2.At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3.Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4.Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5.Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
6.Type exit and take out the CD ROM

The problem is the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive is misconfigured.

I am stopped on #2 because it then says: "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer."

Then my only option is to quit setup and start all over again. Any help?
[mucks edit, email address removed to stop spider spammers]

 

[muckshifter]

You have a dead HD, it needs replacing ... however, open up the HD compartment, see if it is correctly attactched.

 

[anduril1015]

Hey thanks Muck! I really appreciate your help. I'll see about getting him a new hard drive if it appears that the one he has is bad. I wondered if that was what had happened.

 

[Abarbarian]

My SATA hdd cable kept coming loose a new cable seemed to do the trick.