I think you're misunderstand XML Michel. XML is not equivalent to text. if you put in an Ampersand that is encoded as an XML String then you get an amersand back. if you want the encoded ampersand formatting back that formatting needs to be encoded as well.
The problem is most likely that you are encoding the XML on the input end incorrectly. Garbage in, Garbage out <g>...
+++ Rick ---
>>Also,
>>Just put the
>>
>>&
>>
>>
>>in the root node like
>>
>><root>&</root>
>>
>>
>>still worked.
>
>Ok, now, if you put instead of the & character, its HTML encoded equivalent, see the result you will obtain. Basically, you will obtain the & character and not the real content of the value.