itzbinnice

Thanks guys for the tips. Babis I am still unable to get the file hal.dl_. to expand. Here's what I did, I found the expand.exe file in C:windowssystem 32 directory. I then copied it onto a bootable floppy. I copied the hal.dl_ file from xp disc to a temp dir c:aa Booting from flopyy this is the command I used: a:expand.exe c:aahal.dl_ c:aa I figured this needed to be done in Dos mode but received a message saying this function could not be performed in Dos. I then booted into XP and in the run feature I typed: expand c:aahal.dl_ c:aa, saw some activity on the screen but the file remained in the compressed state. I even tried clicking on the file, open with, then selected expand from the winsystem32, no good, didn't work. Could you please tell me how I can uncompress with the expand command.

Just did a complete new reinstall of WinXP with including formating to NTFS. Had a problem with Explorer and the new install fixed that but created another problem, I am running Win Me on a seperate drive that was already installed. I used to dual boot from the XP boot menu but can no longer do that. While booting I click on the Win Me menu option but the system won't boot and it states the "hal.dll" file in Windowssystem32 is missing or corrupt. The file is there so I am trying to replace it with the one on the WinXP CD, only problem is it's compressed. It shows as hal.dl_. I used to know how to extract such files but have forgotten how. Could somebody please advise the proceedure to extract the file from the disk and unzip it. Thanks for your help.

Zero I received the "DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" message attempting to load WinXP in a brand new machine that was clean. Drivers were not the issue here. Never in my dreams did I suspect the memory, I learned a great deal in that unfortunate experience. Since I had three memory modules I figured even if one was bad the other two would have no problem running the machine, WRONG, took a month of of aggravation to solve. You must think I'm stupid for not bringing somewhere to fix, well maybe I was, but I'm also very stubborn and welcome a challenge, but this one almost got the best of me.

Hudson Think the Reverand got it right, check your Ram. Had the same error message along with others building my new machine with all new components. Could not even load WinXP. Took me over a month to discover 1 of the three Ram modules was bad. After removing it everything worked fine and was able to load XP. All three memory sticks were brand new. Brand new don't mean s***, I learned the hard way. If you have more than 1 stick use one at a time until you can determine which is bad. Another way is to bring them to a shop and let them check em on a machine. Good luck, hope you get it fixed.

LSDragons Yes we thought about that and ended up Partitioning into 3 drives, the third was partitioned for 5 gigs at Fat 32 for a large share folder where both the XP NTFS and the Win98 partitions can use it. Thanks for mentioning it though.

Xperties Yeah, it's a few weeks old, a Dell Inspiron or Inspiration? I beleive, cost him 3,200 and I **** sure don't want to screw it up.He has no clue of what to do with computers, just one step below me. The blind leading the blind. Should we need anything I can connect to Dell with my computer. Many thanks again.

Xperties, Thanks for the tips, I would have gotten into deep pooh without them. The article should have specified that Win 98 must be on the C drive instaed of saying most times it goes on the C. As for the drivers for the laptop I never gave it any thought and am grateful you brought the issue up. Your advise is appreciated.

Have a friend of mine coming over tomorrow and needs help with his PC. He has a Dell Notepad that came with a 30 gig drive and Win XP Pro loaded. He is using it for business as well, and we need to load Win 98 as a second OS since some business apps he needs won't run on XP. Here is what I plan to do. Use Fdisk and partition the drive into two drives, one 20 gig, and the second 10 gig for his business apps. I will format the 10 gig as d: with fat 32.(for Win 98) I will format c: with NTFS for Win XP. I will install Win 98 first to the D: drive Then install XP on C: drive. After reading the boards and articles I have I am confused on one issue. One article states "the fat 32 partition almost always is the first partition on the disk". I want XP to be the first partition and show as C: Please advise if I will have any problems installing the way I have outlined. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions, but I tinkered with the computer before going on line and it's even faster re-booting now then WinME. Takes about 8 to 10 seconds. I had visited and printed many of the tips on the tweak sites and applied them. I am running 640 MB ram and one of the tweaks said to either eliminate or reduce the page file to 50MB if running more than 512 MB. I did set it to 50 MB and it was doing fine. Then one day last week a sign pops up and says I am very low on memory. I go back in and change the page file back to let windows manage. It creates a 952mb page file since I have a 60 gig drive. I forget about this change and after re-reading the tweaks it refreshed my diminishing mental capacity. I said let me get rid of the page file and see what happens. I tell XP no page file, yet it leaves the 952 MB in the root directory, I delete. While I was in the memory performance options I also checked the box that indicates "adjust best performance of system cache", the adjust for programs box had been checked. My only remaining question is should I keep the box checked for system cache or check the one for programs? After I sign off the net tonight I will run bootvis again since when I ran it yesterday the page file was present. P.S. Conan, thanks for the download, I'll install that after I shut down.

Can anyone suggest a diagnostics program or give some tips on how to speed up my re-boot time. I have installed bootvis and has sped up my boot up time to about 40 seconds which is very acceptable. My problem is whenever I install a program that needs re-booting it takes about 45 seconds or longer to re-boot or shut down completely. It is not the restore feature slowing things down since I have tried several times disabling it which erases all previous saves. I don't know what caused this slow down, when the install was done it shut down quite quickly so it must be software related.In an attempt to diagnose,I have disabled all start up programs (msconfig) and it behaves the same. It's not the computer since I have Win ME installed on a seperate drive and it re-boots in about 10 seconds. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Xperties, The primary reason I have the second drive was for a backup system but now it has turned out to be a neccessity since ME is the only way I can get both burning a CD and rewritting to it to work. Here is the scenario, I can get Nero Burn to work on XP but not InCD packet writting. I can use the Roxio Platinum 5.0 on Win XP but only Direct CD works, not CD burning, can't recognize my burner even though Roxio says it works in XP with 5.0B, tried 5.0B 5.0C and 5.0D same results, doesn't work. Tried mixing the software, Nero Burn and Roxio Direct CD elements only, Direct CD works, but Nero Burn maximum write speed goes from 24x to 4X. In ME both NERO Burn and INCD work. Made numerous calls to TDK support and they say I have everything right and I should call Nero on my dime in California for support since it's their software. Hello, what good is the f***ing drive I just bought from you without supportive software. Sorry the sledgehammer still om my mind. Even though the two operating systems are on two separate physical drives, you say I have to do a fresh installation on the 60 gig with XP? Thats a real bummer really have no energy left to do that.

Popeye Hope I don't make an a** of myself but did you check if your system restore is on? To do so go to, my computer>control panel>system>system restore Once you click on the system restore, make sure the "turn off system restore on all drives" is not checked, if it is uncheck it and then reboot it will then work with todays date in bold. This is just the basics, if this doesn't work I'm certain others on the board can give you more advanced instructions. One thing I do know is that over time the boot process slows a bit with the build up of restore files. I have adjusted my settings to limit it to 200 MB. If your system has no problems check the restore box and reboot. It has now erased all your restore files. Go back in and uncheck the box and reboot, now you only have 1 restore point which is the current one.

Reverend, Changing the lines doesn't work, thats all it did was move the lines and WinXP is still highlited as the default even on the second line. When I click on the ME operating sytemI still get the same meassge. Thanks for the suggestion though. Drewdatrip Only the Nero burn program works in XP, no the INCD, I constantly write to CDRW so I need this feature. Direct CD was so easy to use and fast.You say ME and XP must be on the on the same drive for it to work, I'm not convinced this is a fact. I'm certain there is a way to do it, but how is the question. I do know that if they were both Fat 32's that may be a problem, but I have NTFS and fat32. Thanks for your advice.

Reverend No haven't tryed that, but what the hell (no pun intended) I'll give it a try but really don't want the ME on the top line which is default. When I get this puppy rolling I'm setting the boot delay to 0 for a faster bootup. Be back in a few minutes with the results.

Hows it going Experties, yeah we spoken before and always appreciate your help. I've become a madman and been rambling on in my post. I'll try to make it short and to the point. Have 2 drives, 60 gig master, with WinXP Pro and NTFS. Second 13 gig is slave and Fat 32 with WinXP Pro (wanted backup drive). Originally installed 13 gig with fat 32 and Win XP Pro. Then installed the 60 gig with ntfs with Win XP Pro. Added second line to boot ini. to recognize the 13 gig with the XP operating system. Everything worked fine except the CDRW software. To compensate I reformated the 13 gig and install Win ME (32 Fat), Problem now is I can't reboot to this drive using the boot menu since the 60 gig still thinks the 13 gig has WinXP. Changed second line to read ME operating system but doesn't work. Below is boot.ini. [boot loader] timeout=10 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft windows ME" /fastdetect Aside from re-installing XP what can I do to boot from the 13 gig with Win ME. Thanks for any suggestions, that sledge hammer really looks tempting.

Although some say I'm beyond help. Heres my situation, running XP Pro, on a 60 Gig, have second 13 gig. as the slave. Originally had it set up running XP on both drives as the 13 gig as a backup. Added an additional line to the boot.ini on the 60 gig to indicate the second drive with the WinXP operating system. All worked well. Now the nightmare begins, my old CDRW would not work with the Roxio Platinum software even though I had the latest drivers and followed all instructions, both from Roxio and posts on this board. I say screw it, go out and buy a TDK 10x24x40 drive with Nero burn and Incd packet writing software. The nero burn works fine but InCD doesn't work, can't write to the drive. I take out the drive and move it to another computer I have running Win ME. All works well, both the Roxio and Nero software. I say screw it, and reformat the 13 gig and install Win ME. I did disconnect the power line to the 60 gig since I was afraid something would write to it. After installation I put on the Roxio software, no good won't recognize the drive again. Figure maybe ME can't handle the new Asus 478 socket MB. I uninstall the Roxio and install the Nero, everything works now. I figure I'll buy time until Roxio and Microsoft straighten these problems out I can always use ME when I need to burn. Really weird, the direct CD works fine in XP but can't burn. The nero burn works fine in XP but the InCD doesn't work. My plans are to use direct CD only on the 60 Gig, and when I need to burn boot to the 13 Gig with the fully functional Nero and InCD software and I'll be OK. Now is where the major problem comes in. I can no longer use the menu in XP to boot even though I substitued the second line of the boot.ini to show windows ME. I knew this would happen but did it out of desperation. By merely changing the line is not a solution since when XP Pro was installed it configured itself to recognize the second 13 gig drive as having XP, not ME. I receive the following message,"Windows could not start beacuse the following file is missing or corrupt. <windows root>system32hal.dll. I would assume it is corrupt, the file is there but obviously with the incorrect information indicating the XP operating system. I don't know how to edit a dll file so I'm in a jam. I'm afraid to try a re-install of XP since it will probably screw up all my previous settings as well as the 8 upgrades that are installed. Don't want use aftermarket boot programs such as System Commander 7, they will probably cause more problems. Could somebody please offer some advice on how to correct my problem. I was on my way out to the shed to get the sledge hammer, but regained my composure to type this message. Sorry for the lengthy message but wanted to give all the facts.

LS Dragons I know about the IE delete files tool, but that doesn't remove all the files in the WindowsTemp directory. Below is what that folder contains: folder is "remove" with 7 subdirectories win95cur win95old win98 win98se win2000 winme winxp All the subdirectories have only information files inf" ranging from 17 to to 41 files. Even though in the Temp folder I am very reluctant to remove anything with inf characters. As for the Documents and Settings temp folder in my name, the 3 folders with the letters and numbers appear to be scripting files of some sort. Below are the folders and files 1) {13bac5db-a3d3-4359-95ff-40ec20cc4641} contains ISScript.msi and scpthdlr.dll 2) {8851e-12c-oef9-1104-a788-009027aba5d0} contains _Isres.dll installscript.tmp isconfig.ini isrt.dll string1033.txt 3) {8851e-12c-oef9-1104-a788-009027aba5d0}.0 contains _Isres.dll installscript.tmp isconfig.ini isrt.dll string1033.txt drvchkNT.exe What I decided to do was delete all the s*** in temp directory and leave it in the recycle bin until I make sure all the programs are working properly. If all checks out I'll delete them. I could identify most, like installation of MS Office, my printer and other programs that were installed. But the 3 folders with the scripting makes me nervous. What improvement has XP made, nothing has changed, you can remove a program then go check the registry under software and it's still there. Sometimes it even leaves the string in the run command. Do me a favor and check your personal folders temp and see if you have anything similar to my 3 folders.

What Temp files can I delete safely in my personal folder? Have 109 MB sitting in there but I'm afraid to remove cause I think some are system files. The directory I'm referring to is: Documents and Settings(Will my Name)local settingstemp there is a sub directory there named "temporary internet files" which I won't touch since my cookies are there. I do have 3 folders with a series of numbers and letters which I think are system files and I'm afraid to remove. One folder in particular has ISScript.MSI where I also see in the add/remove programs option but has no file size there. Are these 3 folders with the numbers and letters dangerous to remove. Please advise what is safe to remove since 109 Mb is a big waste of space if I don't need em. Also Windows has it's own Temp directory, is it safe to remove evrything from there? Thanks for any advice.

Changed the letters on the 60 gig (NTFS), no problem. Rebooted to the 13 gig(Fat32) but would not let me change the drive letter from F to D. Suspect Fat32 unable to change the volume label on a NTFS partition. Oh well, no big deal since I will be using the 60 gig the majority of the time and that will set up correctly.

Unimatrix Thanks for the instructions, I had changed the cable to the 40 pin but it didn't change the drive settings. I will follow your instructions.

Unimatrix Followed your directions, it was a breeze. Both drives are working and I can boot from either one. When I finish tweaking both I will do set mine up as yours, with the 60 gig as my main, boot time delay to 0, and when needed hit F8, should I need to boot from the 13 gig. Have one more question for you, I find it strange that the second hard drive always appears as local drive F, with the CDRW as D secondary primary Ide, and CD as E secondary Ide slave. I was always under the impression that hard drives have prioity and would always appear as C and D, how does the second hard drive end up as F? I have the 60 gig set as master on primary Ide, and the 13 gig as slave on the primary ide. I'm wondering if has something to do with the 80 pin cable, should I switch it to a 40 pin? Thank you for all your help and education, it is genuinely appreciated.

Tomcat, Thanks for the suggestion, I do have one mobile rack which I had used in the past. I don't want to use two since it will take up two drive bays. I prefer to leave both drives in the case and free up the two bays. I'm certain it can be configured, but exactly how I'm unsure of.

Unimatrix Thanks for the command, I needed that to proceed. Would you recommend not using the cable select jumpers and put the 60 gig as master and the 13 gig as slave. I'm not familiar with the cable select mode, but I do know you need the 80 pin cable to function which I have. Your instructions are easy. Below is my Boot.ini with your pasted below it. I noticed the my timeout setting is at 30 sec where yours is at 0, I'll change mine to 0 and it should boot faster I would assume. Funny, when I pasted your instructions I lost the red font. One more question, with the below boot.ini how will I identify which drive is which since the operating systems are the same, looks like it does not identify drives, I would assume the 13 gig (slave) would be on the second line of choices. Does the "Dows" command identify it somehow? MY BOOT.INI [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect YOUR INSTRUCTIONS [boot loader] timeout=0 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)WIN DOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

Conan, Yeah the boot.ini will need a line added for sure to identify the 13 gig drive which will be (D), I don't have a clue as to what the exact command I will need. Thanks for your reply

OK guys take it easy on me, I've been whipped enough trying to build this pos machine, funny, I think I'm beginning to like it. Heres the facts, machine is P4/1.66mg 640 ram with 2 drives. 1) 60 gig with XP Pro 1 partition of NTFS all files/programs installed 2) 13 gig with XP Pro 1 partition of Fat32 all files/programs installed 1 CDRW on secondary Ide as Master 1 Cd Rom on secondary Ide as Slave At the moment I have the 60 gig connected as the only drive on the primary with jumper, the 13 gig is not connected. Both the CD's are connected and work properly. What I would like to do is install the second (13 Gig) as the slave, with the 60 gig as the Primary (bios set up to boot from the 60 gig). I am concerned that there may be a confilct since they both have XP installed, even though different file systems.. I had this problem with Win ME and it sometimes wrote the restore files to both drives.I ended up having to put one of the drives on the secondary ide and configuring as slave. Is it possible to have both these drives on the primary ide and have the ability from the start menu to choose which one I want to boot from? The primary is on a 80 pin cable, should I set up as master and slave, or use cable select? I intend to only use the the 13 gig as a backup system in the event the 60 gig goes down. Don't intend to move files although I believe I can import the fat 32 to NTFS but not the reverse.