load needed DLLs for HAL.

Solution 1 of 2 - Check Memory

You may have a defective memory. This is even more likely if it only occurs when the system is cold or hot, but not all the time. Use a memory tester to confirm if it is defective or if you have spare memory, try replacement.

Windows Vista now includes a Memory Test program when booting from the

Installation DVD. Step-by-step instructions with screen shots are

available at Using System Restore on Vista/2008 as part of System Recovery.

Several software products that also provide memory and video diagnostics includes Fix-It Utilities Professional and SystemSuite Professional. Other diagnostic products include Eurosoft's PC Check and Iolo's System Mechanic.

Additional Memory Solutions:

• Confirm all the memory is of the same type and speed. Many motherboards only work correctly when the memory is installed with matched sets and matched speeds.
• If you added or changed your memory just before this problem occurred, try reverting to the prior memory configuration to confirm it's the source of the problem.
• Check that the memory is fully seated in the sockets. Memory sockets often have side latches that need to be upright to indicate the memory is correctly locked in place.
• It's also possible the memory problem is on the video card, as they often contain additional memory. The video card should be tested and/or try a different video card to see if the problem goes away.

Solution 2 of 2 - Repair Damaged or Missing OS Files

Use the Windows RE (Repair Environment) under Vista to repair and replace missing or damaged files. For XP users, you can re-install XP without erasing applications or settings, or use the XP Recovery Console to fix some problems.Using Windows RE for Vista/Server 2008

For detailed instructions with screen shots, go to Using System Restore Vista/2008, or use the brief summary here:

You'll need the Vista installation DVD. Note that many OEM manufactures leave out the installation DVD, which has to be purchased separately, or they only include a limited restore DVD that just erases the system and starts over (often a poor choice). All retail copies of Vista include this bootable DVD.

Insert the DVD and reboot the system. Assuming the BIOS defaults to booting from the DVD (usually the default) then select the language. Next click on Repair your computer. A list of Vista installations should appear. Select your installation (typically there will only be one).

A list of recovery options will appear including an automatic repair function, restore from a previous system restore point, restore the computer from a backup (assuming one is available), run the memory diagnostic tool, or go to a command prompt (for advanced users).

As a reminder, not all hal.dll files are the same and if the system was using a different version or one provided by the PC manufacturer that is different than the one you copied, it may cause odd behavior and/or hang at a later point.

Reinstalling XP without erasing settings and applications

Windows XP recovery is more problematic with a number of issues, including having the right media (SP1, SP2, SP3) on hand. You can usually re-install XP without erasing your applications and settings. We'd also recommend backing up all your important data before starting just to be safe, although this can be difficult if the system isn't working!

You'll need the XP installation CD. Note that many OEM manufactures leave out the installation media, which has to be purchased separately, or they only include a limited restore CD that just erases the system and starts over (often a poor choice). All retail copies of XP include this bootable media.

Insert the CD and reboot the system. Assuming the BIOS defaults to booting from the media (usually the default) a "Welcome to Setup" screen appears.

Press Enter (DO NOT select Recovery Console). Accept the license agreement. It will then search for existing XP installations and show a list to pick from (typically there will only be one choice). Select your XP installation and press R to start the repair.

Important: If the R option does not appear, do not select Enter or all your data and applications will be toast as it acts like a new PC installation!

Limited Fixes with the XP Recovery Console

For detailed instructions with screen shots, go to Using System Restore XP/2003, Here you can fix registry problems, missing files, validate and fix file system problems, repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) and partition boot record.

To get to the Recovery Console prompt. insert the XP installation CD and reboot the system. Assuming the BIOS defaults to booting from the media (usually the default) a "Welcome to Setup" screen appears. Press R to load the Recovery Console.

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