Problem when HP LaserJet and PhotoSmart printers are connected simultaneously

One of my users has a G4@733MHz running 10.2.8, and two HP Printers - LaserJet 1200 and PhotoSmart 1315 connected to it via a USB hub. LJ1200 worked 100% up until the Photosmart drivers were installed. After that, nothing helped - it would not print no matter what (hangs endlessly), while the Photosmart prints fine. I even archived and reinstalled MacOS.

The response he got from HP Support was one of the more complex workarounds we've seen for printer issues:

The HP Communication application used by the Photosmart printer may interfere with printing to the LaserJet 1200 printer.

To use both printers, the program called HP Communications must be manually started every time the Photosmart printer is used and must be turned off when the LaserJet 1200 printer is to be used. Please follow the steps below to help resolve the issue.

1. Click the "blue apple" in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Click "System Preferences".
3. Click "Login Items".
4. HP Communications should not be in here, if it is, [select it and then] click "Remove"
5. Then, click the "hard drive".
6. Click "Library".
7. Click "Printers".
8. Click "HP".
9. Click and drag "HP Communications" to the desktop.
10. Restart the Mac.


When the Photosmart printer is to be used, double-click the "HP Communications" icon on the desktop to turn the program on.

When the LaserJet 1200 printer is to be used, the HP Communications must be turned off. To turn the program off, please follow the steps below.

1. Double-click the "hard drive".
2. Click "Applications".
3. Click "Utilities".
4. Double-click "Process Viewer".
5. [Select] the "HP Communications".
6. Click "Processes" at the top of the screen in the menu bar.
7. [Choose] "Quit Process".
8. The "HP Communications" is now turned off.

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