Need some help starting up my PC with Windows XP...?

[inkviceversa]

When ever I try to start up the computer, it never completes the start up and always displays this message saying I need to replace a file called '\system32\hal.dll'. What do I do next and what also do I need to do to get my PC started up properly?I have an external drive but I'm completely sure it is turned off.

[J0nny_N@pa!m]

Do you have an external hard drive plugged in and on while you are booting the computer? When my external hard drive is on when I try to boot, it gives me the same error. Just turn off the hard drive and try to boot it again.