HP printer crashes my system

I have a HP PSC 2355 all-in-one printer that crashes xp everytime I hookup the USB connection. I can plug up other USB connections,like my thumb drive, and not have any problems.I read it might be the bios needs to be updated,so I did that but it didn't help. I scanned for viruses,nothing; i updated the driver software,didn't help. Any ideas?

 

Can you install the HP all-in-one on another system? That would probably be the fastest, simplest way to test it.

If you haven't got another system handy to test your HP equipment (friend, neighbor, local geek), keep this in mind: Hot-swapping USB components in Windows has ALWAYS been problematic, no matter what Microsoft or the USB consortium might claim.

Are you plugging directly into a USB port on the motherboard, or are you using an add-in USB port? If you're using an unpowered USB hub, you WILL have problems...

Also, try booting the system AFTER you turn on the HP all-in-one; make sure the USB cable is attached at both ends BEFORE you turn the computer on.

Does the CMOS / BIOS have settings allowing you to enable / disable USB devices? Check it CAREFULLY to make sure some obscure CMOS setting isn't causing this problem... if you're not sure what you're seeing, copy the relevant information directly from the CMOS options and post the information here; we should be able to help you decide what steps to take.

How old is your system? Which OS are you using? USB works best in Win2k / WinXP, and not as well in other versions of Windows...

Let us know the answers to these questions, and the results of the troubleshooting steps I've suggested. We'll try to eliminate the most obvious problems first, and work forward from there...

 

Hi. Malware is a sharp guy, but one word of caution: be sure you know what you are doing when you are thinking of changing cmos/bios settings. I trashed a good P3 a few years ago due to some of my "experimenting". Also, carefully read the mfr's directions when installing usb drivers. With most usb devices, the drivers must be installed before the hardware is connected and powered up. Doing otherwise can cause some real headaches. Good night and good luck.