Hi all, I've posted about this previously a few months back but the post seems to have stalled, (sorry if this is in the wrong spot) and still have the problem. When my system starts up it gets to the safe mode/last good/etc. screen and just loops over and over. when i choose an option it just does the same thing again UNTIL I unplug the usb cable from the back of the printer, then all is well. If I leave the plug out at shut down all is fine at next start up, it's only when the printer is in. I've tried many things to fix this but still it happens. Uninstalled xp (twice) reformatted drive, removed/reistalled/swapped usb items(only happens wi th the printer, in any slot), got a new usb card, new cables, drivers, updates and lost alot of hair! A few local stores i've been to have no idea what it could be. It's got them all stumped as well. ANY ideas on this would be great. Lexmark printer, asus mobo, no answers there either, all blaming each other!
Thanks
Steve

some things to check:

Start up your computer. When you are logged on go to run and type in
msconfig. Go to the BOOT.INI tab. Make sure all the boot options are
unchecked. Then restart you computer.

Want to let you know that I discovered something peculiar about the msconfig
utility. Msconfig opened on the General tab and I saw that the the following
was *unchecked*:
"Normal Startup -- load all drivers and services"

So before proceeding to the BOOT.INI tab as you advised, I first checked the
above setting "on". Then after *unchecking* the boot option /SAFEBOOT, I went
back to the General tab and lo and behold the Normal Startup option was again
unchecked. So once again I checked it "on", then wnt back again to take a look
at the BOOT.INI tab and found that the option /SAFEBOOT was again checked. So
I just unchecked /SAFEBOOT > Apply > OK and rebooted.

Odd that the system now boots normally, but msconfig indicates that Normal
Startup is still unchecked. Oh well...

Make sure /Safeboot isn't set here: Start/Run/Msconfig/Boot.ini

How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
How to Use Clean Boot Troubleshooting for Windows XP
How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_conflicts.htm

To view the event log: Administrative Tools/Event Viewer or
Start/Run/eventvwr.

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q308427

And also:

Go to Start/Run/Msinfo32/Hardware Resources, Components/Problem Devices and
Software Environment/Windows Error Reporting.

Go to Help and Support/Pick a Task (right side)/Use Tools to view.../(left
pane)My Computer Information/(right pane)View the status of my system
hardware and software/Hardware/Update and Troubleshooters.

How to Troubleshoot Hardware and Software Driver Problems

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q322205

Try running the DirectX Tool: Start/Run/Dxdiag, Lower Hardware Acceleration
(Display/Settings/Advanced/Troubleshoot/Hardware Acceleration).

Hi jephree,
Tried all suggestions with no outcome! Did find something strange though. I tried to install another lexmark printer (different model) and I couldnt load the drivers so had to abort, but left the usb cable in and the same problem is there with this printer now. I'm beginning to think there may be an issue between lexmark and asus? Both these printers work fine on other machines that are not asus motherboards. Something to work on maybe. Asus tell me there is no problem. lexmark think I have an "electrical grounding issue with the motherboard data connector". Whatever that means, all seems in order from what I can tell, I guess i'd have more problems than just two lexmark printers if that was the case.

just been in touch with lexmark, they want me to download and reinstall the drivers AGAIN! That has no effect at all. Been done about 5-6 times already. Looks like this ones leading to no more ideas either. I guess i now have a lexmark footstool and better go out and by another brand of printer. hopefully that will work! Cheers, Steve.