Items to try:  1st - uninstall your printer, making sure the drivers and folders created by the installation have been completely removed.

2nd - go to the Cannon web site and download the latest drivers, making sure they are compatible with Windows XP (some are not).

3d - IF and only IF you have found XP compatible drivers, reinstall the printer following the directions exactly.  Most USB printers require you to install the software PRIOR to hooking up the printer.  If you hook up the printer first in these cases, you will need to go back to step one as you will have created the same problem once again.

 

Hello eugenebykov -

I have a similar problem with my Dimension XPS and an HP printer.  Apparently, this sort of problem is common, and not just among Dell machines from what I've heard.

Apparently, the USB connection is drawing too much power.  You might notice that when the computer freezes at bootup, if you turn the printer off, the boot process will 'magically' continue.

I was told to try a powered USB hub, but that unfortunately did not work for me.

The only thing that worked was to turn off USB Emulation in the BIOS (a recommendation I received from this forum).  This is a give and take, because if you do this and you have a USB keyboard or mouse, they will not function until Windows loads.  Which means, you would need to attach a PS2 keyboard if you needed to get into the BIOS.

So, I opted to simply not have my printer turned on when I boot.  Of course, I rarely use it.  This may not be the case for you.

I know it's not really a solution, but I thought I'd share ...

Hi Greenwood,

Thank you for your reply, but the printer itself is working fine. I have no problems with it under Windows.

The only problem I have the computer is freezes on BIOS startup when printer is connected to a USB port.
If I connect it later (after it passed BIOS) everything is fine.

Thanks.

I believe Dell has just put out a BIOS update which pertains to your problem.  Update your BIOS to the latest level, and if you still have the problem post back.  Good luck, Don

Hi BaldEaglePride,

Connecting the printer via USB Hub didn’t help me either, but the problem seems to go away when I turned the USB Emulation option OFF. The computer is booting with connected printer without any problems and since I use by keyboard in PS/2 mode anyway this option should work for me.

Thank you very much for the suggestion!

Hi Greenwood,
I already have the latest version of BIOS (A01) installed, so it looks like this problem has nothing to do with the BIOS update.

Just got a new 8300 and it has the SAME EXACT problem (with USB harddrive, so it's not 'just a printer problem')

Hey, Dell: WE NEED A BIOS UPDATE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. It's SUPER ANNOYING!!

Just to confirm your suspicions that it is an 8300 problem, this does not happen with my 8200, even with the USB emulation ON.

Good luck,

Jane

I really hate to say it, but my 8300 is pretty disappointing.  My latest problem is I can't add another HD without ALL the drives dropping in speed to DMA2 or worse PIO!!! 

I have the same problem with my DELLl 8300 and a HP2210 printer.   Dell says its HPs fault and HP says it's because of DELL.

This is the cause, I believe   :    During reboot, the DELL also boots on the USB port.  If it doesn't get the appropiate answer back from the USB device it will remain stuck.  Apparently Dell doesn't get the appropiate answer from several printers, that's why you have the problem.

Normally in such a case you should be able to deactivate the USB boot option on your computer, but unlike most BIOS devices and setups, DELL does not allow this on the 8300 BIOS.    That's why I believe the solution should come from DELL. 

Unfortenately I don't get any response from DELL other than try to see with HP if they can help.   Very disappointing