Is that 64bit xp pro?
If so...

Note: This version requires Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistribution Package (x64). (about 5MB)

The 64bit release of Blender for Windows is still in a development stage: it doesn't support all possible features yet, like FFMPEG, OpenAL and Quicktime.

If this does not work, then someone else may have an answer...I'm still new at Blender.
Can not think what else is causing this error.