LPT1 missing port

Hello,
When I try to print a document from any programme (Word, Works, notepad,
etc), I get a message to say that the file hasn't been sent to the printer
i.e. the computer can't sens the data to the printer.

The printer (Epson stylus color 440) works fine on my other computer running
XP so it isn't the problem.

I did not install or change anything on the computer when the problem
started but I have been having problems with a spyware that I couldn't remove
and that may have modified the registry (Winantivirus 2006 - these people
should be jailed). I have seen in other messages that a modified registry may
be the problem. However, I am reluctant to use regedit without advice since I
am not an expert with XP (or any other programme infact).

I checked the ports in system manager and there is no LPT1 port shown
although the microsoft standard driver still seems to be in the
windows/system32 directory.

Is there a way of making XP re-install the driver that is not too
complicated or risky?
The help desk of the computer manufacturer has told me to re-install Window
XP but is there an easier way? If I do re-install XP, do I risk losing any of
my data files on the hard disk?

Thanks for any help.