windows couldn't start because the following files is missing or corrupt <windows roo

[spriceless]

I keep getting the following message on my company laptop windows couldn't start because the following files is missing or corrupt <windows root>\system32\hal.dll

I have used the steps that I found on Google that R.H. has posted.
C: CD ..
C: ATTRIB -H C:\\boot.ini
C:ATTRIB -S C:\\boot.ini
C:ATRIB -R C:\\boot.ini
C: del boot.ini
C: BOOTCFG /Rebuild
C: CHKDSK /R /F
C: FIXBOOT

When I do the chkdsk /r/f - it gets stuck at 54% it has been like that from 7pm Friday night till 10am Saturday morning.
I then searched more and tried the following: I rebooted and did the steps again skipping the chkdsk. I then did the expand E:\i386\hal.dl_ C:\windows\system32\hal.dll

I get "Unable to create file hal.dll 0 file expanded. I am using an original MS Windows XP Professional.

[Thrax]

It really sounds like your hard drive is messed up, given that chkdsk can not complete.

Try this article: http://icrontic.com/articles/hard_drive_diagnostics

[spriceless]

It didn't work. It comes to the Drive List and tells me what I have and thats it. Does not ask me anything. It won't run a diagnostic. It does not give that option. The hard drive is not ticking thank goodness. ATA Primary Master FUJITSU MHV2060AH 60gb SMART GOOD DMA 5 - Aciystuc nab ebabked current level 254 0xfe, Power man - enabled current level 128 0x80 write cache enabled, read look-ahead enabled. I have Drive, Features and Help. Is there anyway I can put an external drive on it I just need to get the docs off/nk2/pst (stop laughing I'm serious)

[spriceless]

cmon does anyone else have an answer. 60 views and no one else can reply. where is the help here!

[rapture]

You're kidding, right?

[RyderOCZ]

Connect the drive to another PC and read the files off, yes it can be done as long as the connected PC is running Win 2000 or higher so you can read NTFS.

Get the Fujitsu Drive tools, not Hitachi's, that may help.

[Thrax]

The Hitachi tools are supposed to work on any drive. But, yeah, try the fujitsu tools instead.

[spriceless]

this is a laptop not a cpu

[Thrax]

Then remove the laptop HDD from the laptop, and by a laptop HD to USB adapter. You'll be able to connect it to a full PC.

[spriceless]

Thank you so much for your assistance. I was able to at least see the docs. I am in the process of taking them off! Again, many thanks for the quick response!

[Thrax]

:) glad we could help. Stick around!