Strange hardware install problem in xp

I'm trying to install an HP printer on a friends PC. I attempted to install the drivers as directed by HP, but the system hung with only 14% installed. I ended the process, tried agian but had the same result. I then tried to install the hardware through add new hardware in the control panel and recieved the following:
"you can install only one device at a time"
"another device installation is underway, when it is finished you can try this wizard again"
There were no other programs open and I could not see any unusual processes running. I booted into safe mode and had the same happen.

I tried to find something in hte M/S knowlegde base but had no luck.

Any ideas??

Thanks,
fearless

Hmm, first thing I would try would be to plug the printer into a different USB port (provided it is a USB connection). Try that first, report back.

Try installing the printer drivers first. Then plug in the printer. The comp should then see the printer & install the drivers. You might have to go to Start>Control Panel>Printers and Faxes & do it all manually.
Hope this helps!
-Dave

nikhsub1 -- I have tried the USB cable in all four slots, including where the keyboard was plugged in, and also attempted with a different USB cable as well.

baltoos -- I first tried to install drivers with the printer turned off but the system hung. I also tried through the Control Panel>Printers and Faxes but this was also ineffective.

It feels that Windows is already installing something, but I can't figure out what that something may be. A friend said he's heard of this type of thing happening in Windows -- like the drivers get half way installed in the registry, run into problems and will continue to try to install the device. I have used an HP generic uninstall utility but still have no luck when trying to install.

Thanks,
fearless