HI Jamieson, thanks so much for your help.
I have a 32 bit Windows XP. I DL'd the scanner doctor and it said I had an issue with the Twain scan. So I removed the existing HP program and reinstalled this-
Driver - Product Installation Software
HP Officejet and PSC Full Feature Software and Driver2009-09-12 , Version4.2.1, 343.28M This download includes the HP Photosmart Software Suite (enhanced imaging features and product functionality) and Driver.
As well, due separate operating issues, I defragged, reinstalled/updated Mozilla, and did a general fix/cleanup/update to XP service pak 3 with help by avast tech support.
However, I still get the same error message as before :>((
Any other suggestions?
thanks