Re: [PCWorks] Converter/adapter from parallel printer port to USB port
- From: David Grossman <dgrossman@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: pcworks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:16:43 +0200
Yes, Hugh, and I think I have some ancient parallel ports lying around.
However, I was afraid that they would not be compatible with the new
motherboard (perhaps that's why it didn't have a parallel port already) and
that it could lead to BSODs.
David Grossman
[From one of Hugh's ancient countries - but aren't all countries equally
ancient?]
-----Original Message-----
From: pcworks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:pcworks-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Hugh Vandervoort
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 3:46 AM
To: pcworks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [PCWorks] Converter/adapter from parallel printer port to USB
port
I've done this a couple of times for people in other ancient
countries.Are these instructions from the Dead Sea scrolls?:)
It would be far easier to install a new parallel port.
On Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 6:48 PM, David Grossman <dgrossman@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I'd like to share a recent experience.
>
>
> I didn't want to get rid of my ancient HP LaserJet 6L when I bought my new
> computer, but the new motherboard does not have a parallel port.
>
>
>
> I think I can picture the story behind eliminating the parallel ports in
the
> new motherboards. The big boss at Intel probably said, "I bought a new USB
> printer, so now everybody else has to buy one too." At the same time, the
VP
> of Intel's Scratch My Back and I'll Scratch Yours Department made a deal
> with HP and Epson: "For every new board we sell, we'll make them buy
another
> printer from you."
>
>
>
> I searched for and bought a Centronix bidirectional to USB 1284 adapter
> cable for about $9.
>
>
>
> My new adapter cable may also be useful for those who want to use their
> parallel port for a different printer, or for those who want to reserve
the
> parallel port for one of the older Zip drives, without using a switch box
or
> print server.
>
>
>
> Setting up this cable is NOT for the faint of heart. There is no
> documentation for the cable - not even in the the manufacturer's pathetic
> website.
>
>
>
> If any of you would like to use a similar converter cable, let me offer
you
> some tips.
>
>
>
> Your computer has different kinds of USB ports (depending on whether it is
> connected directly to the motherboard or with an extra internal cable or
> connection). Your new USB/Parallel cable works better with the stronger
> connections. In a desktop computer, those strong connections are in the
> back.
>
> Before installing your printer, plug in the cable, and let it install.
> That's right, the cable itself has to install before you can install the
> printer. You can watch the installation progress on the bottom of your
> Windows screen.
>
> Next, set your wizard for a virtual USB printer port. (Aha. It's a VIRTUAL
> port. That explains how a parallel printer can work on a serial port!).
>
> Let the computer check Windows Update for a recent version of your printer
> driver.
>
> Windows Update may make a mistake (it did for me) and suggest that I
update
> other Windows components instead of my printer. Deal with it.
>
> Your printer may not work the first time you set it up. Or the second
time.
> Or the third time. Or the XXXth time. Keep trying. Cancel your
appointments.
> Tell your guests to go away. You'll be able to set it up eventually.
>
>
>
> Save the tips in this email. They are the only documentation you will ever
> find for this kind of cable.
>
>
>
> David Grossman
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