For the last several months, I have the same exact problem. Here's what I've done. I called HP tech support as the install disk that came with the printer would NOT work. Popped up on screen as "YOU GOT THE WRONG SOFTWARE!".
Was told: "We don't support Win98" disk is for XP and above. I remarked, "Hey, Win98 compatible is printed on the HP printer box .
Starting off badly, here.
Was then told, "Go the HP website, download file/drivers, do manual install.
I did.
Printer now working.
Or so I thought. Printer will print 1, 2, maybe 3 pages or individual print commands, the FAIL to flush printer buffer and lockup. I tried pulling the USB plug - doesn't work. Opening printer door. Doesn't work. Rebooting printer - sometimes this WILL work. Sometimes I have to reboot twice. Sometimes the printer will go a day or some before locking up. I reinstalled USB drivers. No change. I replaced the printer drivers several times. Nothing changed.
My conclusions. HP is selling incompatible printers/drivers for Win98. Their tech department is pleading NO support as I should be using XP.
Note to HP: I will NOT be buying anymore of your products. Your are thieves and liars and in my book, criminals. HP is committing fraud as far as I'm concerned. This printer appears to be incompatible with Win98 on USB
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Ted