nt4 + hpdeskjet = spooler problems

i have 2 pc's on my network one of them mine, that have random but continual problems with the printers attached to them.
both machines are NT4 SP6a and i dont think by coincidence have HP deskjets attached to them one a 710 one a 840.
the problem is simple mid printjob an error message regarding the spooler appears (next time it happens i will write down the exact message) all printers vanish from the printer settings and obviously printing is impossible until the pc restarted.
it does not happen in one particular application.
Am i being unfair on HP printers here .
the drivers are up to date, cables are fine, not to many other pratical steps to take.
has anyone seen anythign similar and help

 

Let's see if I got this straight.

When printing from (where? all applications? or just certain ones?) your computer gives an error and loses its print settings.

Are you printing directly to the printer, or to a printer share?

Each computer gives the same error or only one of the computers?

 

Also, check the event viewer for error messages relating to the printer and spooler.


Are you using any third party fax software on those computers? Microsoft has confirmed that some can cause print spooler crashes.