When your computer has a hardware problem it may actually have an overall effect by slowing it down and even causing freeze-ups. Your PC’s CPU has to direct any attached hardware what to do, when to do it, etc. This will include monitors, printers, mouse, keyboards and so on.
In order for a printer to work properly there will need to be a driver and possibly other software loaded onto the computer. If the printer’s software causes a problem it can cause a lot of problems for the whole computer.
I came across a good example of this a few months ago. The PC causing the trouble was connected to a combination printer, copier, scanner and fax unit. Because of the multiple uses there was a “suite” of software loaded onto the computer to make all these different features functional. And here is the problem… at least many times. It will get complicated.
The printer’s software was not operating properly and had a pop-up asking for an update to be installed. The update would download but when it tried to install it would stop and say it was unable to. There was in addition a Windows program update that would not install correctly that was actually part of a repair for the printer from Windows.
At first the problem could be fixed by shutting down the computer and starting it back up or restarting the printer and everything would go back to work. But it got harder and harder to get it working like it ought to. The scanner part had totally quit with the pc saying it was not able to locate the unit for a scan even with it still able to print.
We tried to get updates from Windows and from the printer supplier but neither one of them could install so we moved on to the final option. We fully un-installed (utilizing the Windows utility in Tools) and then re-installed the printer program software from the disk that originally came with it when it was new. But don’t forget to remove all areas of the printer suite first.
Do this easy next step and do not waste any more of your time. Check out the Good Registry Cleaner info web site. There is a lot of good information on – slow computer startup – at the web site.