change or check smps on windows xp, sp3?

[jenbeeper]

Hi everyone,
I am new to posting here, so please advise me if I'm not following proper etiquette...

I have an HP printer, photosmart c4680, and a dell desktop running windows xp, sp3 (it's about 5 or 6 years old).

I've had no problems with epson in the past, but this is the first HP I've had. When I leave the printer plugged into the desktiop and reboot the desktop, I can't get past a black screen w/ cursor. It just stops loading windows, won't boot up, and everything just sits 'stuck'.

When I unplug the printer and turn the desktop on, everything boots just fine. And I can then plug the USB back into the desktop, where the printer works just fine as well.

Someone at HP support mentioned that I'd have to change the SMPS, but they were unable to give more info.
SO
am searching to find out if this is something I configure in Windows? or on the desktop itself?

Any info or directional advice would be of help here for an only 'VERY mildly hardware-savvy' gal.
Thanks!

[NeoPa]

Hi Jen.

I think Switched-mode power supply is what they were probably referring to. It's hardware.

The extra power load of a device attached to the USB port (which can typically get its power via that port) could conceivably be the straw that broke the camel's back - assuming the SMPS is already moribund (Half-dead and getting deader).