From: Computerpilot on 10/10/2002
This is most likely due to an incorrect or bad HAL file (they are a little difficult to troubleshoot). It also can be attributed to a badly written boot.ini file. The hal.dll is not directly that file. The HAL in win NT-based OS works with your hardware devices. It can assign IRQ addresses and memory allocations. You might recognize it in the device manager under the computer. It will indicate whether the PC is a Standard, ACPI, Multi processor, etc. If this is changed, then you might have a real problem on your hands. It most likely will result in a reinstall of the OS. This could be a problem considering you cannot install W2K after XP.
I would start with the HAL possibility. To read a bit more about Windows HAL, check out microsoft's KBA Q237556. You will find this on the website: support.microsoft.com. This will also give you the correct HAL file names for your specific PC and how to manually extract and install these files. You most likely have a single processor ACPI computer. This is HAL file: halacpi.dll. Page three of the article will give you step by step instructions on how to replace the file. Keep in mind that the standard PC Hal should work as well, but you will loose the advanced power options (you do gain the ability to move IRQ addresses in the BIOS!!!).
If you followed the instructions to the HAl issue and still have problems, you may want to look at your Boot.ini file. Make sure that it is correctly set up. Also, where does your MBR point? When you boot, which partition (XP or 2K) does the computer grab the Boot.ini file? You may need to write a new MBR or Boot.ini file for Windows 2k. Check out Microsoft's KBA Q289022 for more information about editing a boot.ini file.
Have you done a Windows 2000 repair? This might actually cause more problems then help. Also, if you have done this, then this might lead to the problem you are having.
I hope this helps. Keep in mind that you cannot install Windows 2000 after windows XP. Well, not exactly... you can but it is not recommended. If you did this, then I would suggest you check out some of the websites that describe the procedure. I have never successfully done this.
Feel free to post back.
Computerpilot
