syntax of INS error installing printer

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G

Guest

I bought a new printer and tried to install it. At the very end of the
installation process, I got the error message the syntax of the INS is
invalid. I have spent hours on the phone with tech people from HP,
Emachines, and Microsoft and nobody can seem to figure this problem out. I
decided to use my old printer, and am now getting the same error message with
that one. Any ideas?
 
Hi Cari:

The new printer is an HP deskjet 5440. The old printer is a
Hewlett-Packard deskjet 932c. The new one is usb and the old one is
parallel. I have had two other printers attached to this computer before
them, both parallel. But I had talked to techs from HP, eMachines and
Microsoft and all of the printers have been uninstalled from the computer.
Has anyone ever heard of anthing like this before? Help!
 
Can you post the exact text of the error message. And do other USB devices
work fine on the PC? You are installing the software before connecting the
printer to the PC, right?
 
Hi Cari:

the error message says "the syntax of the INS is invalid"

I do have other usb devices and they are all working fine. Yes, the printer
is not attached to the computer until the install program requests that you
do so.
 
I'm kind of stuck on this one. Did you try a System Restore to the time
when it (the old one) worked correctly? I'll do some more searching and get
back to you asap.
 
Hi Cari:

I did a system restore to two days before I tried to install the new
printer, purged the system of everything to do with the new printer , and
tried to reconnect the old printer. I got the same error message "the syntax
of the INS is invalid." How frustrating is that?

Have you ever heard of a repair install disk? Someone suggested I try to
get a hold of one, they seem to be computer specific. The disks that
eMachines support had me purchase are restore disks and will wipe out my
whole computer and reinstall the original stuff the computer had when
purchased. An option that does NOT appeal to me.
 
Well that would be a standard XP CD... either an upgrade or full version of
XP and would mean your going to the store to purchase one.

I do have to say that a clean install is the first thing I do if I purchase
a new PC (usually notebook) rather than build one myself... it was certainly
the first thing that I did with the eMachines PC that I got. I'm still
working on the problem for you.
 
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