Hello Coldwater,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand the Officejet 5500 is not found and the installation won't complete. I realize you have already performed some necessary troubleshooting steps. Are you receiving a error message indicating why you're unable to finish the software?
Anytime you're uninstalling the software, make sure you disconnect the USB cord out of the computer. Do not connect this USB cord until the software prompts you.
Follow this HP document on The Progress Bar on the Software Installation Stops or Stalls. It states to start off by removing the software from the Control panel, then continue following the rest of the steps. As you get to "Solution Four", it does state to perform a "Level 3 Uninstall", which is a advance uninstall.
Please post your results! :smileyhappy: