Windows XP issues

I'm having issues with my windows XP.
Windows XP version 5.1.2600
SP3

On startup it somes to a black screen that asks me if I want to start
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Setup

If I don't touch anything I get another screen:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \system32\hal.dll
Please re-install a copy of the above file.

Any ideas on what I should do?

The computer is a Dell Dimension 3000. Windows was pre-loaded. I have the windows key on a sticker on the computer, but I cannot locate a windows XP disk.

Hi
maybe this will help you >
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/missinghaldll.htm
Regards

I will give this a try. Looking like I will need to re-install windows. I have tried several of the other things listed, and they have not worked.

Thank You

I reinstalled windows. Rather painless actually. And everything seems to be working fine.