I have an HP laserjet 1000 (USB) that has problems connecting periodically with my 98SE USB ports. I get an error at bootup time that says it can't connect to USB001 (this is a virtual port).

The thing is there was never a problem before (for about 6 months). Now I find that every other time I boot my system, I get this error. The only way to clear it is to remove the USB cable from my computer, put it back in and restart both the printer and computer. I can't just turn off the printer and the computer. I have to physically remove the cable and I have to turn off and on both devices.

The next time I start the machine, it works fine and will continue to work until I turn of the computer. The next time I start up the system (sometimes it will take a couple of times), I get the error again. At this point I will always get the error, no matter how many times I reboot the system or turn the printer on and off. I must remove the cable and restart both again.

I tried installing an Adaptec USB card to get USB 2.0 as well as a HUB (to allow the disconnection from on top of the desk) and still have the same problem.

HP has been no help. They did say that the cable end that goes into the printer has some smarts and if I were to disconnect it from the printer side while the printer was on, the cable could be damaged.

I hooked up the HUB to allow my father-in-law to easily disconnect the USB cable from on top of the desk, instead of having to get under the desk to disconnect it. This works OK as a bandaid, but I would like to solve it permanently.

Anyone know what the problem is?

Thanks,

Tom.