This may not help anyone now; but maybe someone might find this useful in the future.

I downloaded the free - RSLogix Micro Starter Lite, RSLinx and the RSLogix Emulate software.

After installing the software - I discovered RSLinx ver 2.5x would not work on my laptop - which
contains XP Home editon.

To resolve my problem I went to this web address; located on Rockwell Automations web site (see link)

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/downloads.html

From there I clicked on "software updates" (Thanks Mickey)(by the way, you'll have to register with a e-mail and password, to continue, but it's free).

Now the fun part - after doing the above suggestions you'll arrive at a web-page with a lot of files.
These files are CAB files for RSLinx 2.4x - download them all (including the install file) - it will take some time - but in the end you will have RSLinx 2.4x files on your computer ready to install - and RSLinx 2.4x will work with XP Home Edition.

Klm