Outlet Overload Problem?

Lots of people have a computer, monitor, router, and inkjet printer on the same power strip - I do myself with no problems. All of them together should be no where near the capacity of a normal outlet. A lazer printer might be a different story though since most of them use a fair amount of power while printing. I suspect the old automatic voltage regulator might be causing the problem. I've heard before that some items don't behave properly when connected through a surge protector and that may be the culprit. I'd try removing that device and see if the flickering lights go out.