First, if there is a "Intel chipset driver" listed for your system, that must be installed as it defines what is on the motherboard (and must be installed before installing drivers such as the sound and video). 

 

Second, when you do a printer (or all in one) install you must first run the install program and ONLY when the program tells you then physically connect the device.  If you connect the device first, the install will either fail or Windows will install incorrect drivers. 

 

You may want to run the System Restore and restore the PC to a date PRIOR to first attempting to install the Printer.  Then, if you haven't done it install the chipset drivers and restart Windows.  Then try the printer install again and do not connect it to the PC until the HP install program directs you to.

Hi Fireberd,

 

Thank you for your reply, I do appreciate it. I tried your suggestion:

 

1) ran system restore to a point prior to first installing the printer (specifically, November 4)

2) installed chipset drivers from the driver CD and restarted Windows

3) Tried the printer install again:

     a) made sure printer was plugged in and getting power

     b) disconnected the printer USB cable from the computer

     c) ran the printer install CD

     d) connected the printer to the computer when the Install Wizard said to do so

At that point, the Install Wizard just hangs, with the little box saying "looking for printer hardware".

 

I'm wondering if maybe my attempt at reinstalling Windows is somehow corrupt, and maybe I should start over with a fresh install of XP?

 

Any suggestions would be most welcome. If nothing else, this has been a good learning experience! :)