Printing queue, printed document residual artifact, time to print (multiple query)

Hi,

Hope someone with Vista knowledge can help me in figuring this out.

Have a new(er) HP computer with Vista Premium attached to a Lexmark X5150
all-in-one. This computer is also connected via home Lan (multi-port
Ethernet switch) to an old Gateway 2000 W98 computer which prints to an old
HP 4P.

When I print to the usb connected Lexmark using the Vista computer using IE7
or Office 2007 (any app) the document prints, and then remains as
"document - deleting" in perpetuity. The only way to clear it is to turn the
printer off and back on, each time. I have the latest Lexmark Vista drivers.

Printing to the Lexmark printer from any Microsoft "Works" app is fine, and
I can print multiple documents! (go figure).

Printing to the Laserjet4P through the Lan from IE7 or Office 2007 results
in the same problem, but can be cleared by using the Cancel Documents
command in the Printers window, so I don't have to manually reset the
printer (latest drivers again). The only additional frustration is that it
seems to take forever for the printer selection window to "stabilize", in
other words, the printer dialog window appears with the available printers
(XPS, Lexmark, One Note, etc.) but the installed HP4P takes roughly 3
minutes to show up, each time I want to print.

I have scoured the Microsoft website to try and find solutions, as well as
read some of the replies here. Please, don't anyone tell me I have to work
around the problem by entering Dos-like commands to re-initialize the
spooler at every document. Vista, IE7 and Office 2007 are probably 9
generations evolved from having to resort to this kind of archaic nuisance.

I have a car I start with a key, I don't have to get out and crank-start it
with a lever like they did in the 1920's. Likewise, I expect software to
perform the basic functions adequately, especially with respect to an
"operating system".

I apologize if I seem cranky and sarcastic, I am. Thanks in advance for any
advice! - Phil.