[Howlin]

Well, now they have yellow exclamation points by them again in the Device manager.

When I put a CD into the drives, the green lights flashes for a few times and then just stops.

And now I am getting this message:

Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)

[Not A Snowbird]

Have you checked the interior connections to make sure they're solid?

Picking an earlier restore point won't work?

[Cold Heat]

howlin,you have a internal problem.

I can't be absolutely sure what it is, but the likely thing is a loose or dirty connection on the mother board.

If not that, it is a bad I/0 and that requires replacement of the entire board usually.

if you want to get into it, I can help to guide you and keep you from making a booboo. You will need to be able to get the case open.the rest is done with the fingers.

[HAL9000]

I don't know if this will help, but since you're running XP Pro, it supports Remote Desktop. Someone (preferably an trustworthy expert) could log on to your computer and check it out. That might be faster and easier trying than trying to diagnose and repair the registry yourself.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)

So he now sees the hardware?

Coldheat, dennis ...does XP have some kind of diagnostic to exercise the device? Howlin , is this system still under warranty, do you have a service contract, you may need to contact Dell....