eventually got it working again (not entirely sure what did work):
- uninstalled "Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 Recognizer Pack"
- reboot PC
- reinstalled Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 Recognizer Pack
- install KB895953 - Memory Leak in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Also from Control Panel -> “Regional and Language Options”
- Enabled Xp Language Bar setting
- Checked “Extend support of advanced text services to all programs” and
- Unchecked “Turn off advanced text services”

"MF" wrote:

> same issue here.
> HP Tablet PC 2710p running windows XP tablet edition