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Hi,
I've been trying to install a hewlett packard 2600n laserjet printer, but am having no success. As anyone else had a similar problem with this model?

If following the instructions give I install the CD software, it will get to the point of plugging the printer into USB no problems. As soon as its plugged into any of the USB ports the machine locks up. Mouse and all!

I've tried manually istalling the drivers but get the same results. I've also tried the drivers on the HP website, but it makes no difference.

I've also tried removing or disabling startup entries, no difference.

I'm no PC newbe, so this is really doing my head in. I know its not the printer or cable as it works fine on a laptop PC.

The only clue I can give is that when I start the PC with the printer allready plugged in, it wont freeze, but it goes very slow. Looking at task manager I see that the "System" Image is on 99%. Its as if it gets stuck in a loop as soon as it tries to load the drivers for it.

Anyone got any ideas, whats happening here or what I might be able to do about it?

Hey there rpmorrow, welcome to PCHF.

It sounds like there is a problem with the compatiblity between the PC and printer, lets see if we can isolate the problem.

1. Firstly could you post the specs of your machine (preferably motherboard make/model)
2. Run the windows update on your machine to make sure you are up-to-date.
3. Can you try another USB device on your system (other than the mouse and printer) - does the machine still lockup?
4. Could you clear out your temp files, either manually or by using a program like the ATF Cleaner

Thanks for your quick reply, I really appriciate you taking the time to help me out.

I can't post the exact spec right now as its not my own PC. But I have iliminated two of those points.

I've ran windows update, and I've tested the USB connection with other hardware and is all ok.

I'll get the exact spec if that helps and get back to you. Cheers.

The next time you get the 99% usage can you check the processes tab and see what is using that much percentage.
What version of windows are you running?

When you get the opportunity can you still post the make/model of your motherboard.

In the Processes tab I'm afraid the information is not very helpful. Well not to me anyway. Maybe it gives you some clue.

Under the Image Name the process using 99% is simply called "System" with A Username "SYSTEM" and about 224kb of mem usage.

There are no other process using up major processor power. I presume that the "System" process is somehow central to Windows as it has no .exe like everything else does. I guess it is some sort of parralel to the "System Idle Process"

I've tried searching for info, but I find that the word "System" is just too vague, even when used with other keyphrases.

I'm just wating for an email with the hardware spec. Thanks again.

Right i got the specs..

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)

CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 2533 MHz (19 x 133)
Motherboard Name MSI 845E Max (MS-6566E) (6 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 CNR, 2 DIMM)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale i845E
System Memory 512 MB (PC2100 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type AMI (07/04/02)

Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200 (128 MB)
Audio Adapter Creative SB Live! Sound Card


Does this give you any clues?

Sounds like it is just an issue with the USB ports, I have had something similar before and the only way I could solve it was to purchase a PCI USB card, but lets see what we can do.

Can you open Device Manager and uninstall everything under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers'

Once you have done this clear out your temp files and restart your system. (leave the printer disconnected.

Once the machine has restarted it should automatically install the USB drivers, try running the installation for the printer and see if the same problems occur.

Have you tried updating your USB drivers?