printing problems

Not sure if I'm posting in the correct form, but here goes:

OP Win XP, SP3
Dell Dimension 4600
HP Photosmart All-in-one Printer 3180C

I'm having a puzzling printing error. Whenever I try to print anything, the printer spits numerous sheets out (seven to twelve) and the only print on the page is a single line of nonsensical characters at the top of each page. I uninstalled the printer and software, nothing. I did it again, same results
I reformatted my computer, reloaded all the software, did all of my updates and I'm back to square one; a single line of nonsensical characters.
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks in advance

 

Log into the Dell's website, do a search for you printer, download the driver and install it. It sounds like a driver issue.