Hey,
so...i just got this computer from a friend n supposely all i needed was a power supply so i went out n got one sooo now i really don't know whats going on but.....when i go on windows internet explorer i'm able to go n search n download n all that good stufff but when i try using firefox or AIM it says i have no connection i have my ethernet driver installed n all that n it says i'm receiving n sending um....all my drivers are installed and also when i try to reformatt my dvd/dvd-rw driver won't read the cd but when everything is loaded n i can explore the cd and also some programs i install don't show up on my programs list n some won't even open oh also theres a whole bunch of stuff installed that i can't find when i go to start>all programs but i find them in my c drive.....any1 know whats goin on?

My PC

windows xp pro sp2
intel pentium 4 3.20GHz processor
1.50gb ram
350watt power supply
asus p4p800-e mother board
ATi radeon 9250 video card

It definitely sounds like a fresh install might be a good help for you right now.

Problem 1 - The optical drive not reading the disc when you turn the computer on is probably happening because your BIOS isn't set to boot off of the DVD/RW drive.

When you turn your computer on, hit whatever key gets you into the setup and find where you can change the boot order and make it boot from the DVD/RW drive first. Then put your Windows and/or recovery disc in and turn the computer on.

Problem 2 - Reinstalling windows will most likely help your Mozilla/AIM problem.

Problem 3 - When you install programs, not all of them make a Start Menu program group. But most will at least make a desktop shortcut unless you choose not to. Worst case scenario is it doesn't make either of them. Then you just navigate to the .exe file that runs the program and right click on it and create a shortcut to it on the desktop.

I think that's everything...

Good luck

THANKS A LOT EVERYTHING IS WORKING GREAT NOW