Hal. Dll error file backup needed

[Dicky_Ticker]

any knowledge or help for a novice would be greatly appreciated.
I have some files which I NEED to back up before reloading an OS Laptop running XP (I think Home SP3 but not sure) went belly up during java update which was not supportive of XP. Now Have hal.dll missing or corrupt error. Can only source XP pro disc. Can boot from cd and access recovery console. Will not expand hal.dl file from cd. Tried chkdsk but this remains on 0% complete for >1hr so I'm assuming its not working.
I have tried a Linux program but it cannot mount the HDD.
Is there anything I can try before admitting defeat
Cheers in advance
Colin

 

[DSTM]

Hi Colin.
See if you can run sfc /scannow ( note the space between c and forward slash) with the disc you have. It will ask you to insert the OS disc. Sometimes I have been lucky a few times and it has accepted a different version of the OS.
This will replace corrupt and missing files. You may have to run sfc /scannow a couple of times.