HELP - Desktop freezes with usb port used at startup

[dorronto]

I picked up a real nice used generic desktop. Seems to run fine and fast at P4 2.0ghz. All programs loaded so far, are working. Starts up and turns off fine.

Here's the kicker..............
...If I have the printer or scanner usb cable plugged in at startup, the desktop posts, loads windows xp (the blue screen of loading) and when you should have your desktop screensaver you get NOTHING. I have tried every combination of printer and scanner.

The computer freezes with a black screen and then reboots. If you unplug the usb cables from the ports, the desktop starts up fine. It doesn't matter if the printer or scanner is on or off. Same result. I even installed a usb pci card internally with 4 usb ports with the same results!

If the usb ports are left unused at startup, then after windows loads, they are fully functional! It's only if a port is being used at startup, do I have my problem...........

Help..............

Is this a hardware or software problem?
I'm at a loss on this one.....................

Any suggestions what is causing this and what can I do???????

I'M DESPERATE.

Thanks,
Ron

[ajkula66]

Ron,

It does sound like a bummer...

I would borrow or download a copy of a "live" Linux CD and try to boot from it. If the scenario repeats itself, you have a hardware issue. If not...long live alternative OS solutions.

On another note, are there any error events in the log?

Good luck.

[dorronto]

Excellent idea George. I would do this with a laptop, never thought to do this with a desktop. I'll throw in my Ubuntu cd and see...

Ron

[RealBlackStuff]

Check the BIOS if USB is activated.

[dorronto]

I did and it's activated and works after xp loads but I'll check it again.


Ron

[RealBlackStuff]

See if this article throws more light on your issue.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914015