Vista - No longer able to print

Running Vista Home Premium 32 bit
HP Deskjet F4180
For several weeks, when I connected the printer, I would get messages that no drivers installed, and would have to install. Then would see multiple copies of the same printer. I would either cancel out of the prompts, or reinstall again then delete the duplicate copies.
Now, it won't print at all.
If I go to Control Panel, Printers, Add Printer I get the error "can't open Add Printer error 0x000000c1
If I go to Control Panel, Add Hardware and use the wizard I get hdwwiz.exe - bad image C://Windows\system32\mscms.dll followed by the error Windows could not load the installer for Printer
If I go to the HP website and download the latest drivers, I am able to download the driver and find the program file. When I run the program, if I say I will connect to my printer at a different time, the program installs fully and shows up in Program Manager. If I click to select that I will connect to my printer now, the HP installer freezes up on the screen telling me to connect the USB cable and turn the printer on.
I have uninstalled the HP driver and reinstalled.
I have tried different USB cables, and all the ports on my laptop.
I was used the Problem Reporter and downloaded all suggested patches and upgrades.
I restarted my computer and used F8 to check the memory and repair the startup.
I used System Restore.
I used the System Recovery disks. However, printer drivers are missing from my restore discs.
What now, please?

Carrie

Just wondering if there is anyone on the forum willing and able to assist... Please?