windows Xp pro sp2 backup/Cd-rw Help

i want to reinstall windows xp pro to just regular windows xp. i want to backup all my stuff to a cd-rw, but it wont recognise it, and when i try doing it with a regular cd-r it says "the backup file name cant be used"

so questions.
*can do i get it to recognise a cd-rw,and if yes, How?
*how do i back it up???

 

first, you cannot install any os except what came with the pc, as the key is tied to the pc.

second, your title says sp2, do you have a 64 bit system?? if not you should be at sp3

third, please tell exactly what happens when you put a cd into the drive

fourth, please read below and see if any of the issues fit your problem.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060

 

its service pack 2, my highest colour quality is like 32-bit.and, i have 2 cd drives on this Desktop, the one on the top doesent seem to work.but the bottom one was meant for both CD-RW's and CD-R's.

 

you can open the case and switch the cd drives as the top one may be inoperable.

if you do not have a manual, we can look online for one, what is the make, model and model number of your pc?

 

its an optiplex GX240.

but i'm scared to do anything with it, i dont wanna mess anything up.its pretty much my only gateway to the internet.. [P.S. thanks for helping me so much...]

 

ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-prod...desktop/optiplex-gx240_user's guide_en-us.pdf

above is your manual on page 137 are instructions for removing cd drive, read through and if you have any questions I will try to help.

it is in pdf form so have installed adobe reader or foxit reader.

 

ALSO:

ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-prod...sktop/optiplex-gx240_service manual_de-de.pdf

above also has instructions it is the users service manual, the link in my last reply is the users manual.