How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Step 1: Perform a clean boot

• Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.
• Click Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER to start the System Configuration utility.
• If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.

Computer Does Not Boot to Microsoft Windows 7

Step 1. Verify the Computer Finishes Initial Power-Up (POST)

In many cases a computer will not attempt to hand off control to the operating system. If you power the computer on and you see a Dell logo screen with a bar at the bottom, and that bar fills up completely and disappears, then your computer has successfully completed POST.

Step 2. Check for Specific Error Messages

Capture the specific error code and search at Google, Microsoft or this website try searching for additional solutions on the Web.

Step 3. Run a Computer Diagnostic

To determine if your computer is experiencing a hardware problem, run the Diagnostics.
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Step 4. Boot the Computer into Safe Mode

Try booting the system into Safe Mode to isolate the issue to be either Hardware   or Software related

• Start the computer. 
• Tap <F8> on the keyboard immediately after the manufacturer logo screen disappears until you see the Windows Advanced Options Menu on the screen.(If the Windows Advanced Options Menu does not appear, restart the system and try again.)
• Select Safe mode and press <Enter>. 
• Log on as the administrator or as a user with administrative access.

How Do I Fix the "hal.dll is missing or corrupt" Error Message?

Step 1: Repair the Windows Boot Configuration

The error hal.dll is missing or corrupt can usually be resolved by repairing the Windows boot configuration.

1. Restart the computer.

2. Tap the <F8> key during startup until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.  (If the Windows Advanced Options menu does not appear, restart the computer, and try again.)

3. Press the <Down Arrow> key until Repair Your Computer is highlighted, and press the <Enter> key.

4.When the System Recovery Options window appears, click to select your language, and click Next.

5. Log in as a user with administrative rights, and click OK.  (The Windows Recovery Environment appears.)

6. From the Choose a recovery tool menu, click Startup Repair.  (Startup Repair proceeds to check the system for issues and resolve them.)

7. Once completed, click Finish.

8. Click Restart.

Step 2: If repairing the boot configuration does not resolve the problem, the operating system must be reinstalled.

Microsoft Windows Locks Up, Hangs Unexpectedly or an Error Occurs

Step 1: Search for Error Codes 

Windows may display an error code associated with the lockup or error. Use Google or Microsoft or Dell to search the error code or message displayed and select from the options to search for your specific issue.

Step 2: Run a Computer Diagnostic

To determine if your computer is experiencing a hardware problem, run the Diagnostics.

Step 3: Run Routine System Maintenance

Open the Performance troubleshooter by clicking the Start button, and in the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Click View All and then click the checkbox to show online troubleshooters.The two troubleshooters are Performance and System Maintenance. 

Also, use the System File Checker to verify the system files and folders on your computer. To run System File Checker, click Start type cmd in the Start Search box in the Start menu and then right click on the cmd icon and then select Run as Administrator. In the Command Prompt window type sfc /scannow press Enter.