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Thread ID: 66130 2006-02-12 07:24:00 Cannot run or install Windows XP onto Primary partition JaceKiwi (2561) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
429417 2006-02-12 07:24:00 Cannot run Windows XP (since deleted and tried re-installing) or install Windows XP onto my primary partition (C: drive). I get error missing or damaged file: hal.dll. I've gone through everything about the boot.ini file, ntoskrnl.exe and hal.dll that I can find on the net. I've tried both XP home OEM and XP pro OEM. Windows 2000 installed fine on the C: drive and the installation on my second partition is working fine except I am running low on disk space. JaceKiwi (2561)
429418 2006-02-12 07:34:00 how many partitions do you have?
you already have 2000 on one (C:\) and presumably you have xp on a second (D:\)
exactly which partition are you trying to install xp on
your post doesn't make a lot of sense a bit of clarification may help
bartsdadhomer (80)
429419 2006-02-12 19:48:00 Stated:

2 partitions:

XP is already installed on D: but is a very small partition (boots form C: for the boot manager fine).

Tried to install XP on C: - I get hal.dll error.

Installed Windows 2000 on C: - It istalled fine. XP on D: ran fine once I replaced the 2 boot files (ntldr and ntdetect.com) on C:. However I want to run XP, not 2000.
JaceKiwi (2561)
429420 2006-02-12 20:31:00 have you tried these options?
www.kellys-korner-xp.com
Have you actually deleted the partition entirely, created a new partition then formatted again prior to installation
I've also had this problem with a disk that had bad sectors, running the manufacturers disk tool may help
bartsdadhomer (80)
429421 2006-02-12 21:56:00 As stated Tried - www.kellys-korner-xp.com

Can't delete the partition as I would have to delete the second partition first. Also all my data is on there - trying to get around it without re-installing. Don't know of any Seagate utilities. Also Chkdsk / Scandisk didn't pick anything up (note XP's format doesn't check for bad sectors). Installing 2000 worked so wouldn't expect it to be hardware related.
JaceKiwi (2561)
429422 2006-02-12 22:17:00 1. you didn't state you'd tried kelly's options but I suppose if you'd tried everything on the net then you would have.

2. you should still be able to delete the 2000 partition then create a new partition on the unallocated space and leave your other partition in tact, it may or may not be bootable but you should still be able to access the data on it

3. XP's regular format does check for bad sectors, the 'quick format' does not
bartsdadhomer (80)
429423 2006-02-12 23:36:00 4. www.seagate.com bartsdadhomer (80)
429424 2006-02-13 04:16:00 Can't delete the partition as I would have to delete the second partition first. Also all my data is on there - trying to get around it without re-installing. Don't know of any Seagate utilities. Also Chkdsk / Scandisk didn't pick anything up (note XP's format doesn't check for bad sectors). Installing 2000 worked so wouldn't expect it to be hardware related.


Firstly, I would hope that all of your data is backed up onto a safe removeable medium. This is basic, but especially when playing around with the OS.

Secondly, in my experience, the only (eventually) working Windows install is a clean install. I don't know of anyone who has ever completely achieved a satisfactory install over an older OS. Its just not worth the agro.
Back up your data, format, repartition if you have to and install XP. A long, painful process but worth the effort!
andy (473)
429425 2006-02-13 04:44:00 I agree with 'Andy', you said Win2000 works, use that to backup! SolMiester (139)
429426 2006-02-18 20:18:00 I used XP (on second partition to move files to d:) - 2000 didn't suitable software installed - See my threads on msnews. I'm not installing over an existing OS (the directories have been renamed or deleted). I had to use an upgrade CD as the OEM one generates HAL.dll errors. JaceKiwi (2561)
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