how to connect ipad to windows xp machine

You can't browse the data on the iPad by connecting the device to your laptop per se. You connect the iPad to the computer in order to transfer purchases and sync content with iTunes,

While connected to the comouter Nd with iTunes running - You can transfer files via file sharing and then save the files to your desktop. You can then view and edit those files in the supported applications on your computer.

If you are trying to find a way to view your iPad "data" by connecting to iTunes, you cannot do that natively. There are applications that let you view iPad files - iExplorer is one of those apps. You can check it out here.

http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/

You will need to download iTunes if you haven't already got it installed - you can download it from here. The iPad won't show up in, for example, windows explorer, unless you have photos that were taken with the iPad, copied to the iPad via the camera connection kit, or saved from emails/websites etc - in which case it will appear as a 'camera'.

Syncing of content to the iPad is done via your computer's iTunes (quite often via file sharing), though some apps allow you to copy content to/from them via your wifi network, via email, Dropbox etc. Unlike a 'normal' computer the iPad doesn't have a file system, and everything on it has to be associated with an app.

Syncing apps : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1977

Syncing music : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1351

Syncing photos : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4236

iPad manual : http://support.apple.com/manuals/ipad/

Do you have iTunes installed? If so, what version?

Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, 32-bit editions of Windows Vista, or 32-bit editions of Windows 7

Are you running service pack 2?

Right click on that item (Apple Device Driver) and choose "Update Driver"

It should find it automatically.

If not, diconnect iPad, right click on item, "Uninstall", restart Windows.

Reinstall iTunes

Plug in iPad.