Brother MFC-420CN Printer Prevents Computer From Booting Up

When I installed the new printer everything went well until I hit Restart to
fiinish the process. My HP Compaq Presario with Windows XP Home Edition SP2
froze at the initial screen. When I disconnected the USB Cable to the
printer, everything booted up fine and after booting reconnecting the cable
allows normal use of the printer w/o any problem. However, anytime I turn the
computer ON or hit Restart to boot up with the printer connected, nothing
happens, just total freeze-up.

Brother said this was the first report of this problem and that it was
Microsoft's fault. Microsoft said there's no hotfix and this is the first
report of the problem, and that Brother should forewarn potential customers
before they buy and accept a product return/replacement. I bought the printer
via mail-order.

Please advise.
Thanks, Dan