Uninstalling Windows XP

[DeadStars]

Hello, I've been having trouble fixing one of my computers that ran into a "missing hal.dll error". I've been going around the internet, searching for a solution, but had have no luck what so ever.

What i want to do is uninstall the current windows installed on the computer because i don't have the cd for that specific windows(i believe it's professional.) And reinstall Windows XP onto the computer.

I have a little experience when it comes to computer hardware, so if i can have a push towards the right direction, I would truly appreciate it. Thank you for you time.

[liljim]

What disk do you have to install with?

[DeadStars]

I have a windows xp cd, but i don't have the windows xp pro cd that was used to install it on the computer, i just want to get xp pro off and use regular xp on it.

[icecube]

Hi Deadstars

try this link first to fix the HAL problem Any windows XP CD can be used on a repair all of the files are there.

If you need to do a new install, it is your product key that you will need. That is what costs the big bucks. Any computer tech could burn you the CD you need , home or pro, for about $5 to $10 dollars. The install CD is no good without a valid product key. The trouble is getting all of the drivers. XP might not see them all.

Is it a factory install or a homebuild?

[DeadStars]

I'm a factory computer. I've also tried to fix the hal.dll error but it wouldn't accept the cd, the cd is a copied cd of windows xp and i do have the cd key for it.

[icecube]

Hi Deadstars

What sort of error do you get when you try to boot with the CD? A Dell boot disk won't work on a Toshiba and vice versa, they check the system for certain hardware. I've seen CD's that just can't be seen by certain CD rom drives. Usually reburing the CD could solve the problem.

The files on the different XP CD's are identical for a given service pack. There is one file on the cd that determines how the CD will install.

If the disk boots up to the EULA, scroll down to the end and the last two lines will tell you how the CD will install. If it doesn't boot, there are other issues.