Just further thoughts:
First is this your printer?
HP LaserJet 4200 Printer
If so check the
Support and troubleshooting section.
As to Windows Updates: These were all from Tuesday April 12:
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893066) Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - April 2005 (KB890830) Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB890923) Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Security Update for Windows XP (KB893086) Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Security Update for Windows XP (KB890859) Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 Successful Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Automatic Updates
Is this when the problem started?
Also: If you manually start the Spooler Service is everything ok?
Have you checked the status of the service via Administrative Tools | Services?
Also: Do you see this key on the Registry?
1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then press ENTER.
2. View the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es
3. In this key, do you see the hphparnt value?
I am thinking to try uninstalling the Windows Updates to see if it makes a difference or else uninstalling the printer & software & then reinstalling per the instructions from HP.
Hope this helps.