Reference number: CH000677
Can I get my USB printer to work on the parallel
port?
Question:Can I get my USB printer to work on the parallel port?
Additional information:
Note: This document is for users who want to
get their computers to work with USB printers. If you have a
Parallel printer and want to work with USB, see
document CH000678.
Cause:
Many users who are shopping for computer printers are finding it
increasingly difficult to find a printer that does not use USB. Many
older computers do not have USB ports and some users may wish to use
their parallel port instead of USB.
Answer:The solution to this question is really dependent on the type of
printer you purchased or plan on purchasing. Many printers have both
a parallel port and USB connection, which allows the consumer to
choose which type of connection they wish to use. Many of these
printers also allow users to have both the USB and Parallel
connections connected at the same time. However, often printers that
include both of these solutions will only come with a USB cable, it
is up to the user to purchase a parallel port cable.
Printer with USB and parallel
connections
If your printer contains a parallel port connection, purchase a
"parallel cable" from your local retail store or from the
printer manufacturer. After connecting the printer to your computer
using a parallel cable, you will need to change the properties of
the printer to print to the "LPT" port. Microsoft Windows
users can change this setting through the "Printers" icon
in the Control Panel.
USB only printer with no more available
USB ports
If you have a USB printer and a computer that has USB but no more
available USB connections, purchase a USB hub. USB is capable of
supporting up to 127 different devices and a USB hub will allow you
to connect more USB devices to your computer.
USB only printer with no USB ports on
computer
If your printer only has a USB option and your computer is an
older computer with no USB option, we recommend you purchase a USB
expansion card. These cards are installed in your computer and
enable your computer to use all types of USB devices. However, make
sure your computer meets the requirements of the expansion card,
often older computers running older operating systems will not
support USB at all.
Click
here to search for USB expansion cards You may also wish to consider a USB to
parallel converter, these converters will convert the USB signals
into signals that can be understood by the parallel port. However,
it's important to keep in mind that if your printer only supports
USB, the printer's software will still not work. This solution
should enable your printer to communicate with the computer, but
in order to print you would have to install a generic parallel
printer driver available through the operating system. This means
many of the features of the printer will not work. We do not
recommend this solution, but would like to make it known that it
is available.
Click
here to search for Parallel to USB cables If your computer does not support a USB
expansion card and you would like to get a USB printer to work,
we suggest you consider purchasing a new or upgraded computer.
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