I have a HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8162B and it randomly stopped working. I have looked on several websites for help but none have helped. I think it may be a driver issue but I have not been able to find the drivers. Any Help ??
I have never had problems with lost data from a reinstall of XP. I always create a backup just in case so if you can get a hold of another CD/RW drive to burn a backup of your data before restore it would be advisable. If not, your data should be OK after the reinstall.