Dead XP

> The computer is(was)running an upgrade XP Home. Standard
> stuff - 2 HDD (pri and sec)
>
> I was doing some cleanup on the computer because the
> system partition keeps filling up (4GB approx at last
> look) and Partition Magic wouldn't install because of lack
> of room. Thought I would delete the contents of the Z:
> partition, in prep of using PM to speed up the resizing of
> the partitions, as it was old stuff. Deleted all, which
> included old windows stuff. Rebooted and after POST got:
>
> Message #1
> INVALID BOOT.INI FILE
> BOOTING FROM C:\WINDOWS\
>
> which would be fine 'cept I installed XP into partition D:
> in the perhaps misguided concept that most software
> defaults to C: and it would help save the build up of
> content in the system partition. There are multiple users
> with admin privileges for installations. I know, slap the
> wrist.
>
> As there is no C:\WINDOWS\ the next message pops up and
> all stops:
>
> Message #2
> WINDOWS COULD NOT START BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING FILE IS
> MISSING OR CORRUPT:
> <WINDOWS ROOT\SYSTEM32\HAL.DLL
> PLEASE RE-INSTALL A COPY OF THE ABOVE FILE.
>
> Realized that obviously (now) XP was using the old w98
> info on Z: for boot up files.
>
> Now, how do I:
>
> 1. - undelete the contents of Z: (preferred solution) so
> XP can boot normally, or
> 2. - how do I reinstall w98 back to Z: drive (w98 setup
> only give the option of installing to C: or D:, or
> 3. - ???