Vista - Vista and HP update wreaks havoc.

Hello,
I have a newly installed HP 8180 all-in-one photosmart printer that I have installed via ethernet to a Netgear DGN2000 modem router.
All has been well since I installed the software etc until this morning.
An update self-installed. Bad me, I didn't note the exact name of the update before I hit the UAC 'continue' button, but it was an hp .exe file.
Once that installed, all heck broke loose. My printer lost connection with the network, my HP software wouldn't load.. make a long story short, I would up doing a system restore which messed up my AV software.. etc etc.
With Windows Update, I usually have it set to let me know when it wants to download updates and I can decided when to install them. I was silly not to do the same with the HP software when I installed it.

I have changed the settings in the HP software to let me know before downloading updates. This way I can set aside time to pull out my hair when it all goes wrong..

I have sent an email off to HP to see if they have any known issues with this update and will attempt to find out exactly what it was and will post here when I do.
In the meantime, just a word about my experiences in case any of you come across this problem..

Thanks for the "warning."
Sorry to hear of the glitch.