io/irq conflict detection/resolution

I'm having problems installing Win2K as a guest OS in VMWare(tried 2.0 and 3.1). I'm running RH linux 7.1 with default 2.4-2 kernel. What happens is during the final steps(specifically under "performing final tasks->Registering Components(about 80% of the way through)) my PC completely locks up(no hard drive activity not even the keyboard will respond). This happens every time, at the same point.

I dual boot on this system to Win98, and I've seen a similar problem(ocassionally), usually when I print. I'm guessing there's some sort of I/O or IRQ conflict, or possibly a hardware problem somewhere. I've tried tweaking the BIOS, to no avail..(I have an Amptron K7VZA MB if that matters at all)

So anyways, I would like to find where the problem lies. I'm fairly knowledgeable in Linux(and Windows), but I've never seen such aproblem on another system. I was wondering if there's a way to do a scan of all I/O ports to see what the problem may be. It's a USB printer that I'm (almost) convinced is the culprit. Any troubleshooting ideas/tools would be greatly appreciated.
thanks!
tibori