hp all in one photosmart printer

I have an hp all in one photosmart 4240 printer. I can print & copy but can not scan from the computer nor the printer. Keep getting a message that the usb port isn't connected or can't be detected. Hp had tried to explain to me something about this but I have not been able to understand what they are talking about. Anyway, it boils down to this. I have done the uninstall/install routine more than once. I have also done the disconnect from the computer, plug it back in, and have also re booted the computer on each of these steps. So far nothing works. HP says it is a prb with my windows system but techs at the stores tell me it isn't the windows system or a problem with the computer but with the HP software/driver. Unfortunately, I have lost the original disc that comes with the printer somehow and I would like to see if someone can help me before I have to purchase another disc to try that routine. Thanks.

 

First, you don't have to purchase the disc. You can download the drivers from HP's web site for free. I recommend you do that. Then uninstall the current software/driver and disconnect the all-in-one (AIO) from the PC and reboot. Run CCleaner's drive cleaner and registry cleaner. Install 7Zip or TUGZip and extract the HP AIO file you downloaded. Turn on the power to the AIO and plug it into the USB. When the Hardware Wizard prompts you for the software, 'point' it to the extracted file and follow the on screen prompts. This will allow you to install the drivers and use the AIO, but the HP software won't be installed. WinXP (and Vista) have built-in scanning support so you don't necessarily NEED the HP scanning software.... Here's links to the programs I mentioned:
CCleaner http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Toolbar_d4191.html
7Zip http://majorgeeks.com/7-Zip_d4603.html
TUGZip http://majorgeeks.com/TUGZip_d4670.html