I have been using IDLE on my previous laptop and it was working well although I have to say I'm still very new to python. I've read around about the issue and can't find any solution I can use. I can run the IDLE GUI through the python command line version by saying "import idle" but it generates a bunch of error lines (copied the command prompt):

>>> import idle
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\idle.py", line 11, in <module>
    idlelib.PyShell.main()
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\PyShell.py", line 1388, in main
    shell = flist.open_shell()
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\PyShell.py", line 277, in open_shell
    self.pyshell = PyShell(self)
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\PyShell.py", line 813, in __init__
    OutputWindow.__init__(self, flist, None, None)
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\OutputWindow.py", line 16, in __init__
    EditorWindow.__init__(self, *args)
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\EditorWindow.py", line 261, in __init__
    self.update_recent_files_list()
  File "c:\python31\lib\idlelib\EditorWindow.py", line 779, in update_recent_fil
es_list
    rf_file = open(self.recent_files_path, 'w')
IOError: [Errno 13] Permission denied: 'C:\\Documents and Settings\\<USERNAME>\\.idle
rc\\recent-files.lst'


I have tried to use Explorer to reach the files and I get a permission error (the same occurs when trying to reach with the command prompt). I have tried to change the read only nature of this folder and it automatically reverts after the attribute is set. Also the folder is empty according to explorer. I have tried running it with my firewall disabled. 

I am running 32bit XP on a lenovo T510 with 3.1.2 python installed

Thanks in advance!