Invalid Boot.ini or Hal.dll error

If your PC will not boot and displays an invalid boot.ini or Windows\system32\Hall.dll error message, then you will need to repair your boot.ini file using the recovery console. To do this, boot to a Windows CD and press R to enter the recovery console. Once at the console prompt, do the following:

When prompted, type the Administrator’s password.

1. At the next prompt, type bootcfg /list and hit Enter. This will show your current boot.ini and the entries listed within.
2. Next, type bootcfg /rebuild and hit Enter. This will allow you to enter your Windows information into the boot.ini file. You will answer YES to add your installation to the boot list. You will need to specify the name of the Operating System, such as Windows XP. Lastly, you will need to add the line /fastdetect when asked about the OS loading options.
3. Once done, you can then type “exit” and your computer will reboot with the new boot.ini file.

The exact procedure for rebuilding your boot.ini file will probably differ slightly from these instructions, depending on the configuration of your PC.

You will also need a genuine Windows XP CD for this, as a Recovery Disk provided by your manufacturer probably will not work. Major computer manufacturers prefer you simply boot to the recovery disk and reformat and reinstall your computer. If you have any more questions regarding the boot.ini or Hal.dll error message