I have tried repeatedly to find this for download. i get directed to MS updates page that says click here and it is supposed to take me to where i can download. but the list contains add ons for this software and no software itself. i tried to check if it is set up not to show but it is not there. i don't understand it. i do see verion 2.6 but that is for Vista and i have XP. can someone please help?

Windows Movie Maker 2.1 is part of the Win XP sp2 upgrade.

Go here and read this, it will link you to the downloads at Windows Update though. You can also order a cd from the link as well...

Windows XP: Movie Maker 2.1 Download

Arctos, this is exactly where i went. i found the update link on the bottom of the page and clicked on it. it takes me to the Microsoft update. then it is as i posted:
the list contains add ons (like titles for Movie Maker, etc.) for this software and no software itself. i tried to check if it is set up not to show but it is not there. i don't understand it. i do see version 2.6 but that is for Vista and i have XP.
Thus the question, what do i do? can anyone help?

You have to download the service pack as it's not a separate download.

Try this one from here...

http://download.cnet.com/Windows-Movie-Maker-Windows-XP/3000-13631_4-10165075.html

Arctos, actually once i saw the answer you crossed out, something clicked and i decided to do one more check. even though WMM 2.1 does not show up in my installed programs in control panel and there are no shortcuts anywhere, i figured it would not hurt to check the program directories to see if anything might be there. so i did. i found the directory and the .exe file. of course it was there and that is why i can't find it for install. stupid computer never told stupid user that it was there all along. the program works, i checked. Problem solved. thank you for all your patient help.

Your welcome mate, thanks for replying back that you solved the problem...