I do not want to jinx myself, but i just reinstalled XP using the WHQL 1.20.18.00 and I did not get the message about it being possibly incompatible with XP......I have a good feeling this is going to work, I just don't understand why VMware put in the KB that "The newer driver, 1.28.03, works for ESX 4.0." There is no WHQL for 1.28.03

I'm slowly rebuilding my ParentVM with all the updates and guest os customizations. I'll be reporting back as soon as possible.