windows xp upgrade loses printer

I have an HP deskjet 5650 which worked perfectly fine on windows me but when I upgraded to windows xp the printer is no longer identified. I tried downloading the driver from the hp site but it hangs on the "detecting hardware" screen. I have contacted hp and microsoft about this but ongoing diagnostics from tech support have not solved the problem: tried generic driver, removed all printer drivers, removed duplicated devices, deleted driver info in registry, attempted to reinstall printer driver. It is not a port problem (parallel cable). Frankly I am confused as to what should and should not be on my system anymore. Should I reinstall xp? Or just absorb the hidden cost of this upgrade - printer is only 3 months old - and get a new printer?

Hi sweaty betty,

Welcome to WinDrivers!

I found this on HP's website:
Printer Driver Installation Error in Microsoft Windows XP

Also, HP Deskjet 5650 Series - Installing the Printer Software in Windows XP It says to use the CD that came with your printer. Do you still have this? Or are you trying to use the drivers from HP's website?

Also, notice the links there for Manuals, FAQs, etc.

Hope this helps out. Good Luck!