Hi,

  where can I find the file(s) that windows accesses during startup that contain the hardware configurations?  Alternatively, how can I get a Windows XP program from an old computer configured to the hardware on my new computer? The new machine also runs WinXP. I was able to get the machine to boot up with the older XP, but the hardware config was off, so the system crashed.  Hal file >>>    what messages are displayed on SCREEN!What do you mean? I have only been able to get to the HAL file through Device Manager, and almost nothing is displayed.What program can I use to open the hal.dll file?HTTP://support.microsoft.com/kb/q216251/I don't have the CD or floppy disks that the article requires. I shall try it anyway.
Also, the article says it only applies to Windows 2000, I have XPSame system!I tried pressing F5 during the setup screen. The computer was nonplussed. It ignored me. I have XP MEDIA Center Edition, I assume that this makes no difference.Ok tell us the system spes of the pc you are having a problem with:Okay,
  The machine is brand new:

                        Pentium 4 (h.t.) 3 GHZ
                        1GB RAM
                        WIN XP Media Ctr
                        250 GB SATA hdd
The issue arises by putting hdd from older machine into new machine and not being able to access 'My Documents' folder. Something to do with the permissions that are on the old hdd. My theory is to start the new machine with the old o/s in the hope that the permissions will then be GRANTED and I'll be able to transfer the files I want to the new machine. I have access to everything on the old hdd except those files that are in the 'Documents and Settings' folder. I am juts trying to get around the permissions. Both the new and the old computer have/had Windows XP, so it should work.When installing HOLD down the f6 key!How do I install the o/s when I have no cds or floppy disks? If I do manage to re-install XP on the old hdd, will it grant me permission to have at the files I want?