Thanks for your response J.
I finally figured out what I was doing wrong. I was not using the arrows and
spacebar, as well as the F1 button(info) to make necessary changes.

Since my drivers loaded but Windows could not detect the device/hardware
(code 41 ), I went to the manufacturer's website. Samsung

Once there I found that is where you get better updates and upgrades. In
the 'find' box I typed "cdrw', it took me to a page for upgrades and manuals
for all types of "built in". Note: Whether or not it says manual or firmware
click on it, it takes you to the page for both. For my DVD/CDROM Samsung
CD-R/RW SW 248F, I found an upgrade and manual. It was FREE!

Annnnnnnnnnd Voila..it is working!

Hopefully this will help someone that is considering reinstallation as I
was, or new PC purchase. Well, after 5 days of neverending searching and
tries/fails I have reached the goal I sought.

Thanks all in the thread and Be Blessed

"John Barnett MVP" wrote:

There is an illustrated guide to installing windows xp on my website
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org Click the Win XP Faq button and take a look
at question 85

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..



"seanpaul99" wrote in message
...
after a few recent problems i have decided i want to format my hard drive
and
reinstall xp home. i have never attempted this before. is there a step by
step guide i can obtain to walk me through this? i know i have to back up
everything.
happy new year to all
--
seanpaul99