i don't know if i have a free IDE slot :p... it all looks pretty tight in there (Compaq- Cdrive, sys_savD plus burner) & is now 3 years old... yes i have XP, upgrade BIOS? ...see? i'm pretty green when it comes to techy stuff... literally :] i do have driveimage7 to use when i get the external, which to me sounds easier... with time i'll be learning more, thanks misha!