I tried to install an hp deskjet 5440 on my eMachines computer. At the end of the installation process, the error message "the syntax of the INS is invalid" popped up. I spoke to tech support from HP, eMachines, and Microsoft and no one can figure out the problem. I restored my computer to two days before trying to install the new printer and attempted to connect my old printer, which had not been uninstalled. I got the same error message. Any ideas?

Is that the full verbatim error message?

In HTML an INS is an insert text command. Do not know if that is relevant here but cannot find any other indication.

http://www.htmlhelp.com/reference/ht...hrase/ins.html

I would remove both printers and uninstall any and all printer software from your computer.

Perhaps also clean your registry: http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm

Then run the HP software again. Do not connect the printer until told to.

Hi Jephree:

Yes, that is the full error message. During my consultations with the techs from HP, eMachines, and Microsoft, we removed all printers, past and present, from the computer and tried to reinstall and got the same error message. The registry has also been cleaned. The computer was also restored to two days before the attempt to install the new printer. All printer drivers were also removed. The new printer was usb and the old printer was parallel. I would welcome any other suggestions.

--crtrptrd

Originally Posted by jephree

Is that the full verbatim error message?

In HTML an INS is an insert text command. Do not know if that is relevant here but cannot find any other indication.

http://www.htmlhelp.com/reference/ht...hrase/ins.html

I would remove both printers and uninstall any and all printer software from your computer.

Perhaps also clean your registry: http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm

Then run the HP software again. Do not connect the printer until told to.

Can you pin-point an exact time or location when this error appears?

Do you get past the point of physically connecting the printer?

Is there any indication what the setup disk is doing prior to or coinciding with the error message?

Hi Jephree:
I get to the final window that says you have successfully installed your printer, press finish. When I press finish is when the error message pops up.

Originally Posted by jephree

Can you pin-point an exact time or location when this error appears?

Do you get past the point of physically connecting the printer?

Is there any indication what the setup disk is doing prior to or coinciding with the error message?

And after this (if you just ignore the error) does the printer work?

Jephree:

When I click on start and settings, there are still no printers listed under printers when this happens and it doesn't work.

--Dianne

Originally Posted by jephree

And after this (if you just ignore the error) does the printer work?

Assuming that you have XP:

Look in your Event viewer: rt. click My Computer then click Manage then Event Viewer.
Or: Administrative Tools/Event Viewer or Start/Run/ eventvwr
Open the system as well as the application tabs & look for red X errors. Click error line for details.
Post back the source & event id & Description especially of errors that seem to coincide with this issue.
Also check the Information lines that might coincide with this issue.

How to view and manage event logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP


I am having no luck tracing that verbatim error which is rather strange in the sense that it is unique. Very rare.

I do find another reference to INS errors: Intelligent Notification Services (IBM).

What is your Operating System?

Are your logged on as the Main Administrator?

Hi Jephree:

I have Windows XP home edition. I am logged on as the main administrator. There are no red errors in the event viewer. I have also tried to clear everything in there and attempt to reinstall the printer. I got the same error message, but there was no red errors in the event viewer after that.

Originally Posted by jephree

I do find another reference to INS errors: Intelligent Notification Services (IBM).

What is your Operating System?

Are your logged on as the Main Administrator?