I have the typical \system32\hal.dll missing file issue, but can't GET around it the typical ways.

Huge issue PLEASE HELP!!! 

I put in the recovery disk, R for recovery, it does not offer me to select a system or ask me for admin password.  When I type bootcfg /rebuild it tells me failed to successfully scan, error caused by corrupt file - use chkdsk.

I TRY chkdsk and it will initially tell me the voume apprears to be in good condition but  chkdsk /p  to check volume anyway.  When I try that, it scans through, says it finished checking the volume but doesn't tell me anything other then allocation unit bytes, TOTAL allocation and units available.

bootcfg /ADD tells me  the same as above, corrupt file, use chkdsk.

bootcfg /lsit tells me there are currently no boot entries available to display.

WHAT ELSE CAN I TRY???  I would try taking the hardrive out, but I don't have another computer.Try a Repair Install.
More info here:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htmI tried the link, repair is not an option in the XP INSTALLATIONS.  What else have you got???Why would it not be an option ? ?

If done properly all your Data and programs remain intact......