Generic Host Process has encountered a problem and needs to close.

I have been getting the subject message shortly after starting or restarting
the computer and whenever I try to run the update manager using Internet
Explorer.

I have tried the suggestions for those who are not IT professionals listed
in many if not all the threads, all to no avail.

I am using the Windows Firewall and it will not allow me to add svchost.exe
to the exceptions list.

I have tried adding sites to Internet Explorer's trusted sites list, but it
will not allow any of the sites Microsoft suggests because they all start
with http://.... instead of https://...

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling HP All-In-One. Once again to no
avail.

Doesn't anyone at Microsoft know what is going on and how to correct it?
Their product is malfunctioning and not allowing me to update it.

As far as suggestion, please assume that I do not know my way around the
registry and that I know the inner workings of Windows XP.