The CM11A is the serial interface used with Active Home. It has known problems running under Windows XP due to serial port problems.
What program did you use to control your 290? Whatever you used, if it used a serial connection, XP has problems with it. A freind of mine is still using 290 under XP. His old Windows program runs, but the com 2 port drops out a lot. He can control his modules with desktop controllers, but much of his X10 functions don't work.
Here at the X10 Community Forums don't deal with Smarthome products. You will have do your own research on the 1132U's reliabilty.
Try Active Home Pro. It's just $49.95 on the X10 Site. Try it. You will probably like it. If you do have problems, this community is here to help you.