HP Printer issues

[Binrotheheretic]

Hi,
my HP deskjet 3550 recently started playing up. The on/off button flashes intermittently and nothing else happens. I have tried all the tricks such as opening and closing the cover, disconnecting and re-connecting etc. which have worked before. Unfortunately, despite the on/off button then staying on, when I try to print again I'm back to square one. I would ordinarily bin it and replace but I am going away for a year and just need it to get me through the next two months. I have tried removing the printer through Control Panel but the printer icon remains. I tried uninstalling but in uninstall programmes there is no evidence that it is there! I tried installing the software again but it keeps telling me 'setup cannot be completed, try again' . Can anyone help? I have Windows Vista on a DELL laptop if that helps...

[Ant]

Generally the blinking lights indicate an error with the printer. It could be your ink cartridges are loose, the carriage is jammed, the door switch is sticking, or something else.

This isn't for your specific printer, but will give you an idea what the blinking could be about.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...ud09171&dlc=en