windows boot fails indicating missing<windows root> system 32\hal.dll

Sorry to hear you've had problems. This is the first time I've heard of this error with Ubuntu, and I don't think the two are connected. I have however heard of this error on fresh Windows XP installs before and it indicates a damaged boot.ini file.

This isn't an Ubuntu problem so I can't really offer you a load of support, but you may try the following. ---> also note this MS support entry http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477

Use the Bootcfg utility in the Recovery Console to correct the Boot.ini file:
1. Use the Windows XP CD-ROM to start your computer.
2. When you receive the message to press R to repair Windows by using the Recovery Console, press the R key.
3. Select the Windows installation that you want, and then type the administrator password when prompted.
4. Type bootcfg /rebuild, and then press ENTER.
5. When the Windows installation is located, the following instructions are displayed:
Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All)
[Type Y in response to this message.]

Enter Load Identifier:
[This is the name of the operating system. Type Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition.]

Enter OS Load options:
[Leave this field blank, and then press ENTER].
After you perform the preceding steps, restart the computer, and then select the first item on the boot menu. This should allow Windows XP to start normally.

After Windows XP has successfully loaded, the Boot.ini can be modified to remove the incorrect entry.

Greatly appreciate your help.
Actually I would like uninstall wine and clean my hard disk for a fresh
install of ubuntu and stop messing with windows. Could you please tell me
how to do a windowsxp uninstall and clean disk before a fresh install of
Ubuntu 7.10.

Thanks again for your consideration of my non tech status as I am showing
anyone can use open source even in retirement after 40 years in business.

Regards,
Ashok

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Rowson" <email address hidden>
To: <email address hidden>
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 11:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Question #15823]: windows boot fails indicating
missing<windowsroot> system 32\hal.dll

Your question #15823 on Ubuntu changed:
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/15823

    Status: Open => Answered

Chris Rowson proposed the following answer:
Sorry to hear you've had problems. This is the first time I've heard of
this error with Ubuntu, and I don't think the two are connected. I have
however heard of this error on fresh Windows XP installs before and it
indicates a damaged boot.ini file.

This isn't an Ubuntu problem so I can't really offer you a load of
support, but you may try the following. ---> also note this MS support
entry http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314477

Use the Bootcfg utility in the Recovery Console to correct the Boot.ini
file:
1. Use the Windows XP CD-ROM to start your computer.
2. When you receive the message to press R to repair Windows by using the
Recovery Console, press the R key.
3. Select the Windows installation that you want, and then type the
administrator password when prompted.
4. Type bootcfg /rebuild, and then press ENTER.
5. When the Windows installation is located, the following instructions are
displayed:
Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All)
[Type Y in response to this message.]

Enter Load Identifier:
[This is the name of the operating system. Type Windows XP Professional or
Windows XP Home Edition.]

Enter OS Load options:
[Leave this field blank, and then press ENTER].
After you perform the preceding steps, restart the computer, and then select
the first item on the boot menu. This should allow Windows XP to start
normally.

After Windows XP has successfully loaded, the Boot.ini can be modified
to remove the incorrect entry.

--
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know that it is solved:
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/15823/+confirm?answer_id=0

If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
following page to enter your feedback:
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/15823

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subscriber of the question.

Hi Ashok,

WARNING, THIS PROCESS WILL REMOVE WINDOWS FROM YOUR PC

You're in luck, it's pretty easy to replace Windows with Ubuntu. You
don't have to remove Windows first as Ubuntu will wipe your hard disk
drive for you.

1.) Boot from the Ubuntu CD
2.) Start the Ubuntu installer from the desktop
3.) Progress through the installer process as usual
4.) At the screen which says 'Prepare disk space' choose the 'Guided -
use entire disk' option
5.) Continue with the installer process

Ubuntu will now automatically wipe Windows from your hard drive,
format it, and install to your computer.

Congratulations, you're now Windows free :-)

Chris

Most grateful for your help Chris. I am feeling part of a community so soon after taking the plunge.

Best wishes,
Ashok