Auto-detected USB printer stops working after reboot (Acer Aspire 1)
 

Problem:
Canon portable printer is detected when USB cable is plugged in (using a Centronics parallel printer port to USB adapter cable). Acer computer prompts user to select correct driver. We select Canon BJC-70 from list. Printer test works fine using CUPS v1.3.x. We can print from any application without difficulty.

The printer configuration - localhost window lists the printer as "Unknown". I added the description "Canon" and the Device URI is listed as hal:///org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_ffffffff_ffffffff_noserial_printer_noserial

Next time we boot the computer and try to print, application (or printer configuration "Printer Test" button) submits job. Printer job status hangs on Processing.

Troubleshooting attempts:

1. unplugging everything and connecting printer only after computer is on
2. starting computer with printer on and plugged in
3. plugging into different USB ports

Partial Solution
The best procedure we've come up so far is:

• delete the "Untitled" printer
• Unplug the USB cable
• wait about 15 seconds
• plug the USB cable in again
• wait for the computer to recognize the printer connection
• select Canon
• select BJC-70
• set as default printer

Additional Information
Acer Aspire 1 running Linpus Light.
Printer configuration (addition to URI entry above):

• Make and model: Canon BJC-70 Foomatic/bjc600 (recommended)
• Printer state: Idle
• State: Enabled checkbox checked
• State: Accepting jobs checkbox checked
• Default printer: This is the default printer
• Status at the bottom of the window says: Connected to localhost

If the printer is turned off while plugged in, the "Printer state: Idle" doesn't change even after the Refresh button is pressed.

Pardon my newbieness - here are some thoughts:
Would our problem be because the restart causes the HAL to reserve a spot for the previously detected USB device but the printer is somehow recognized as a new device (with an appropriate driver) so the "install driver" doesn't show up?
I was expecting a URI of usb:/something something something rather than the hal:///yadda yadda.
I'm trying to think out of the box so any assistance would be appreciated.

Another Partial Solution
 

If:

• the computer is restarted and the printer is turned off and unplugged,
• the application adds a document to the printer queue,
• the printer USB cable is plugged in (must be at least 15 seconds from startup),
• printer is turned on

the document prints!

It seems like having the printer plugged in and on confuses the OS on a reboot.

Is this something that other people have noticed?

BTW: we have a networked HP printer and the Acer prints to it without a problem.