strange printer installation problem

[brian]

Hi there,

I'm not sure whether this should go to a Debian list or here, but I'll 
try here first. No doubt someone will tell me if it would be better 
put on a Debian list.

My wife and I are both running Debian Wheezy with XFCE 4.8 as the 
desktop (the version currently available from the Wheezy 
repositories). Apart from the fact that her PC is an Intel-based dual 
core with 3GB and mine is an AMD Phenom with 4GB, the two setups 
should effectively be the same. All connections are cabled, no 
wireless links involved.

Our printer is an old HP Laserjet 5N, hanging off a router (at 
192.168.1.99) via an HP JetDirect card.

On my PC, the printer installs and works flawlessly, no problem 
whatsoever.

When I try to install the printer on Pat's PC, then it all starts out 
OK, Printers -> New Printer -> Network Printer and it comes up with 
the Laserjet at 192.168.1.99, port 9100.

Accepting that gets the 'searching for drivers' message, then 
something pops up for a fraction of a second (FAR too fast for me to 
see any detail), and next we get to the describe printer form. Enter 
the data, click apply, supply the requested password and now it just 
sits there.

Checking via system monitor indicates that cupsd, owner root, is 
consistently taking 35-40% of the CPU, and that system-config-p, 
window title "new printer", owner Pat, is consistently taking 20-25% 
of the CPU (dual core PC, remember). I've left the PC running for 15 
minutes, nothing changes.

And that's it. I have tried this multiple times, the results are 
always the same.

I'm baffled, can anyone suggest anything?

N.B. I'm in Eastern Maine, and confidently expect to be knocked 
offline by the twin storms heading our way in about 24 hours. It may 
take me a while to answer any follow-up questions.


Thanks,

Brian.