Corrupt registry / HAL.dll / computer not responding

I have a Dell Insprion 3800 running Windows XP.

My problems began a couple of days ago when I started to get a message that the HAL.dll file was corrupt or missing and to reinstall it. I have the Windows XP cd from Dell and used it to run the Recovery Console.

I ran the Recovery Console and started getting a message that a corrupt file was found and I tried to have it fixed by running scndsk /r. It came back with a message that the corrupt file was found and fixed. I then tried to run bootcfg /rebuild, but I continued to get a message that there was still something corrupt preventing it from completing.

I tried to run the bootcfg \rebuild, but I then started to get a bluescreen with the following message:
Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate

I then tried to follow the instructions on the MSFT support page, but when I tried to restart my computer I kept getting to the "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this..." It offers the different ways to start Windows, but I can't select from them because my keyboard is now not powering up with the computer (I checked the cord and it's definitely plugged in. I also tried changing USB ports). Now on that screen the "Seconds until Windows starts:" message ticks down to zero and nothing happens. I tried powering off and on, with F2 pressed and again with F12 pressed, but I keep getting the same result of the keyboard not working and the seconds ticking down but the computer not responding.

As you can tell from my actions, I'm computer savvy enough to cause more trouble, but not enough to fix my mistakes or to know what's really going on.

Any ideas on what's going on and what I can do to fix my hard drive (and keyboard) will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

There is a Dell interactive wizard here for the reinstallion of XP if needed:

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...n&toggle=false


I see the Inspiron 3800 as a laptop so I am a bit confused as to any external keyboard issue.


This page also may help:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

Sorry, I was very wrong -- it's a Dimension 8400 (I guess it matters if I get the name and numbers right). It's a desktop with an external keyboard. Also, now that I think about it, there was a crunching noise when I started the computer up a few times before I started having the problems.

The links you provided seem like they would help if I could get the computer to respond to the keyboard and if it would actually boot up in safe mode. But, it just freezes after the "Seconds until Windows starts:" message just ticks down to zero.

Does it sound like I need to install a new hard drive? Would a bad hard drive cause the keyboard to no longer power up (that is, none of the lights on the keyboard go on and the computer doesn't seem to respond to key strokes). Thanks again for any help.

Noise would either be a fan or hard drive but a hard drive would not stop the keyboard.

That computer has PS/2 ports. Try a PS/2 keyboard or get an adapter for the USB.

Thanks. So maybe the problems are unrelated. I'll look to try another keyboard / connection and will post the results. Thanks again.

barclaju, this may be able to assist you:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixthe...torehaldll.htm

regards

grimerz