[Solved] Windows BIOS/Boot up

[JC]

:|:|:|..I am trying to fix a friends computer and have come across a problem that I have never encountered before. The original problem was that Windows XP Home Edition SP 2 keeps on shutting itself down with a flash box saying "Win Root\System 32\Hal.dll". Not a problem I thought, just re-start in safe mode re-insert the missing file and re-start Windows:(...No chance, the computer will not even boot past the boot up sequence without shutting down. Again not a problem I thought, I'll bypass the boot up using a MS-Dos start up floppy..:(:(..again, no chance. Have now been informed by a Qualified PC engineer from PC World that chances are, the computer has a BIOS or Boot virus, although this info just caused me some doubt, but I ask him for a way around the problem. He said to remove the offending drive and install it into system with a known clean boot and virus free environment, virus check, error check and then replace any missing files by copying them across from the working drive. Then re-start Windows from the installed drive to see if it runs, if so, job done.:D..no problem, but if I then re-install the fixed hard drive back into the original computer, will it still not be in-operable, because of the messed up BIOS/Boot up sequence.:(:(:(...Your urgent help with this matter would be greatly appreciated. I have now given up all hope of saving this hard drive short of formating it and re-installing Windows.

Update 1:-

Have now manage to install the drive in my own computer and have got my BIOS to find the Extra HDD. I will Now Virus check, Spyware check it, missing file check it and re-install any missing files..:|:|:|

Update 2:-

Have now carried out the above as follows:-

Virus check - 5 found & cleaned
Spyware - 32 found & cleaned
Malware - 1 - malware cleaner software program found hidden inside windows files, which according to reports from the net were that the program was a hype to get onto your system to spy and download personnel details - Cleaned
checked to see if I could find the missing file - Done - File was located exactly where it was supposed to be.

Now what next, well the Internet forums tell me to use a tried and trusted system of sorting this problem, by replacing the offending file, but, I have had the offending drive, with the the offending file up and running, whilst it has been installed in my system, with no problems..:(:(:(:(

Final update:-

Well I finally got the HDD back in its original system and just as I thought nothing, nowt, zilch & F*&kin nada..:(:(:(. I have given up on this one. I even put my own HDD into the suspect computer and have now come to the conclusion that it is the MOBO. I can't even get a MOBO flash update, because the computer won't start. So to that end my advice to my friend is to replace her MOBO..:(:(:(:(:mad::mad:

[Raymond]

Looks like you've done almost everything. Have you tried plugging back the hard drive and see if the error message still appear?

[JC]

Hi Raymond,

No. I am not too sure I should, because when I first had a look at this particular problem, I knew I had come across it before, and it dawned on me that it is not the HDD that is the problem but the Boot up sequence. You know that ting little program makes your system start up. And just to confirm my suspicions I am now going to re-install the HDD into its original case and boot up to see what happens, but, I do believe that I will end up kicking myself, saying " i told you so". All I can say is "Watch this space..:|:|:|

[JC]

Hi, again Raymond,

Please read the final update in my original post of this problem. Thanks for your help..:|:|:|

[Raymond]

Oh man... Replacing a mobo means $ :(

[JC]

Finally fixed this problem as follows:-

1. Removed HDD & installed it into my own computer.
2. Re-installed corrupt files and software.
3. Checked & re-seated all internal components of suspect PC & found the Processor
cooling system to be defective.
4. Replaced defective item.
5. Re-installed HDD & booted up.
6. PC working.

:D:D:D