Topic: Net connection probs related to printer USB?

[oblabs]

I was having some odd issues ...the computer would not shut itself down at all and I had to enable/disable the internet by plugging & unp.lugging the ethernet cable.
The IP sent out a tech. I have the all in one printer set up "in the way" so I unplugged it's USB cable to move it (it was powered off). The tech arrived & the puter behaved like it should have before the tech had to come.
I needed to scan something & plugged the USB back in. The misbehavior returned and the printer is not being recognized by the PC.

Somewhere I recall reading about USBs*. I have "ports" (4?) in the back of the PC & 2 on the front. Part of the reason the printer is in the way is the cable is not long enough & I've had it (the printer's USB) plugged into the front of the tower.* Was there a rule about things that used AC power vs. things (like cameras) that had their own battery power? Where the USB gets plugged in I mean. I have no idea where I can put this printer & make the USB cable reach to the back of the computer. Could that be my problem?
ob duh labs

[Kevin]

That could very well be the main reason it's not being recognized. The front USB ports are quirky sometimes. I have seen some where they can't even read USB flash drives and require you to plug it into the back ports. I suggest getting a longer USB cable for the printer. You can snag one for a few dollars on eBay.

[oblabs]

Great! I didn't know I could get a longer USB cable...too bad I can't connect 2 together like a phone cord adapter lets you do.
OK with the printer not on & not connected to "puter ...the "enable"  & "disable" works (shortcut on desktop). The computer will not shutdown though.
A (free) tech from the ISP came here & I had unplugged the printer to give him room to wotk & that's when the enable/disable worked BUT it also shutdown properly with him here.
I tried the CTRL+AlT+Del & hold ctrl& shutdown that way & it didn't work.
I sure can't understand how a printer can affect the Ability of a pc to connect to 'net or shutdown.

[Kevin]

Do you have to unplug and plug back the network cable if the printer is not connected at all?

Is it possible for you to plug the USB cable to the back of your computer's USB port for now and test out whether that affects the internet issue (before you actually buy a longer cable)?