• Welcome to Tux Reports: Where Penguins Fly. We hope you find the topics varied, interesting, and worthy of your time. Please become a member and join in the discussions.

Parallel to USB cord - windows sees it, but it doesn't print

D

daviddschool

Flightless Bird
I have a HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse. Since I have
upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
connection. I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
it. So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it. But when I go to print I
either get an error or nothing happens. Any ideas how to fix this?
 
P

Paul

Flightless Bird
daviddschool wrote:
> I have a HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse. Since I have
> upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
> connection. I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
> but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
> it. So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
> When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it. But when I go to print I
> either get an error or nothing happens. Any ideas how to fix this?


There is a difference between a motherboard parallel port,
a PCI parallel port, and a USB printer cable.

The motherboard parallel port, likely sits in the I/O space.
Legacy applications back to Adam and Eve, likely work on that
hardware. The SuperI/O chip could be the chip supporting the
interface.

(Example of a SuperI/O chip with a parallel port on it. This is
the chip on my motherboard, and my motherboard has no parallel
port. It means the hardware function still exists, but is not
wired up.)

http://www.nuvoton.com/NR/rdonlyres...2E0-D549FF86663C/0/W83627DHGP_W83627DHGPT.pdf

The PCI card probably supports most of what the SuperI/O chip
provides. Here is a manual for one of those cards, with
examples of things to play with.

http://www.lavalink.com/dev/fileadmin/manuals/parallel_pci_manual.pdf

The USB printer cable is a *printer* cable. Microsoft provides a
protocol stack in the OS, to support that function. The USB printer
cable doesn't support all the operating modes, that the other two
kinds of hardware might have. The problem is the software for
the driver. And I'm not aware of any USB parallel port hardware,
where the manufacturer did write a driver for the job of supporting
all the modes.

There is an example description here, of an installation. It claims
a Windows device driver for the USB printer cable.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16812156012&Pagesize=100

"Pros: Works great with Windows 7 and old HP LaserJet 4, no issues found...

1. Plug in the cable to the PC and let Windows install a device driver
2. Plug in the printer and goto Control Panel/Devices and Printers/Add Printer...
select the HP LaserJet 4 and follow Windows instructions
3. In Devices and Printers, right-click the printer and choose Printer Properties.
On the Ports tab, check the USB002 Virtual Printer Port for USB and click OK.
4. Print a test page to verify operation.

Takes 5 minutes to setup and get working."

Depending on your printer's requirements, it is possible the USB printer
cable isn't going to work. Try the PCI card instead, and see what
you can get from that.

Paul
 
D

daviddschool

Flightless Bird
On Apr 26, 11:07 am, "Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]" <.@.> wrote:
> >I have a HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse.  Since I have
> >upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
> >connection.  I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
> >but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
> >it.  So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
> >When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it.  But when I go to print I
> >either get an error or nothing happens.  Any ideas how to fix this?

>
> If this is an Intel based system, you may want to try installing the
> Chipset Drivers. See if it helps any:http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18033&...
>
> - Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]


IT is an AMD based system.

I have tried the Virtual USB and no go. It doesn't seem to want to
print a test page.
 
S

SC Tom

Flightless Bird
"daviddschool" <daviddschool@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7ceb1417-abf9-4c31-9cd5-1c3b67ea30f4@x7g2000vbc.googlegroups.com...
>I have a HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse. Since I have
> upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
> connection. I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
> but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
> it. So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
> When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it. But when I go to print I
> either get an error or nothing happens. Any ideas how to fix this?


I don't understand "the cord was too short for my case." Do you mean the
printer cable? If so, it would be easier to just buy a longer cable that
mess with getting a USB-to-parallel adapter working. Most USB-to-XXX devices
that I've used are pretty darn finicky.
--
SC Tom
 
E

Elmo

Flightless Bird
daviddschool wrote:
> On Apr 26, 11:07 am, "Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]" <.@.> wrote:
>>> I have an HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse. Since I have
>>> upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
>>> connection. I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
>>> but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
>>> it. So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
>>> When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it. But when I go to print I
>>> either get an error or nothing happens. Any ideas how to fix this?

>> If this is an Intel based system, you may want to try installing the
>> Chipset Drivers. See if it helps any:


http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18033&...
>>
>> - Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]

>
> IT is an AMD based system.
>
> I have tried the Virtual USB and no go. It doesn't seem to want to
> print a test page.


You might need USB printer port drivers for the printer. I didn't see
one listed for that printer at
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...riesId=25480&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=228
so you might look through the printer properties, Ports tab, and select
a "virtual printer port for USB", if one was created by the adapter
software.

--
Joe =o)
 
T

Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]

Flightless Bird

>On Apr 26, 11:07 am, "Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]" <.@.> wrote:
>> >I have a HP 5L laser printer that is my workhorse.  Since I have
>> >upgraded my computer, the new mobo doesn't have a parallel port
>> >connection.  I went out and bought a PCI card with a parallel port,
>> >but found out the cord was too short for my case and hence I can't use
>> >it.  So now I went out and bought a USB to parallel cable.
>> >When I plug in the cable, XP recognizes it.  But when I go to print I
>> >either get an error or nothing happens.  Any ideas how to fix this?

>>
>> If this is an Intel based system, you may want to try installing the
>> Chipset Drivers. See if it helps any:http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18033&...
>>
>> - Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]

>
>IT is an AMD based system.
>
>I have tried the Virtual USB and no go. It doesn't seem to want to
>print a test page.


How long of a Parallel cable do you need? They have ones 10 -15 feet
ones, probably cheap on eBay. Another possibility is a IEEE-1284
printer server.

- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
 
D

daviddschool

Flightless Bird

> How long of a Parallel cable do you need? They have ones 10 -15 feet
> ones, probably cheap on eBay. Another possibility is a IEEE-1284
> printer server.
>
> - Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]- Hide quoted text -


No the cable from the MOBO to the slot in the back is too short - the
internals.
 
S

SC Tom

Flightless Bird
"daviddschool" <daviddschool@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:db7bb490-9b49-4fd2-bffc-edac7a505148@n5g2000yqh.googlegroups.com...
>
>> How long of a Parallel cable do you need? They have ones 10 -15 feet
>> ones, probably cheap on eBay. Another possibility is a IEEE-1284
>> printer server.
>>
>> - Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]- Hide quoted text -

>
> No the cable from the MOBO to the slot in the back is too short - the
> internals.
>


What cable from the MB to the slot? If it's a PCI parallel port card, then
the printer cable hooks up to the outside of the case. Do you know the
make/model number of the PCI card? Also, what make/model is the MB?
--
SC Tom
 
D

daviddschool

Flightless Bird

> > No the cable from the MOBO to the slot in the back is too short - the
> > internals.

>
> What cable from the MB to the slot? If it's a PCI parallel port card, then
> the printer cable hooks up to the outside of the case. Do you know the
> make/model number of the PCI card? Also, what make/model is the MB?
> --
> SC Tom


Sorry, it isn't a PCI card, just a parallel port adapter - I was using
the wrong term:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/DB25F-PARALLEL-A...Item&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item15ba12196

It looks like this.
 
S

SC Tom

Flightless Bird
"daviddschool" <daviddschool@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:3da5df95-54ce-452f-92e8-8eda111bc669@c21g2000yqk.googlegroups.com...
>
>> > No the cable from the MOBO to the slot in the back is too short - the
>> > internals.

>>
>> What cable from the MB to the slot? If it's a PCI parallel port card,
>> then
>> the printer cable hooks up to the outside of the case. Do you know the
>> make/model number of the PCI card? Also, what make/model is the MB?
>> --
>> SC Tom

>
> Sorry, it isn't a PCI card, just a parallel port adapter - I was using
> the wrong term:
> http://cgi.ebay.ca/DB25F-PARALLEL-A...Item&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item15ba12196
>
> It looks like this.


Ah, now I see. I'm sure there must be longer ones available somewhere. You
might try Newark or McMaster-Carr. They carry that sort of thing.
I'm surprised your MB kit didn't include one.
--
SC Tom
 
P

Paul

Flightless Bird
daviddschool wrote:
>>> No the cable from the MOBO to the slot in the back is too short - the
>>> internals.

>> What cable from the MB to the slot? If it's a PCI parallel port card, then
>> the printer cable hooks up to the outside of the case. Do you know the
>> make/model number of the PCI card? Also, what make/model is the MB?
>> --
>> SC Tom

>
> Sorry, it isn't a PCI card, just a parallel port adapter - I was using
> the wrong term:
> http://cgi.ebay.ca/DB25F-PARALLEL-A...Item&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item15ba12196
>
> It looks like this.


Maybe you could:

1) Undo the screws which fasten the DB25F to the plate.
2) Connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard.
3) Route the printer cable through a slot hole in the
PCI area, so the printer cable is now *inside* the computer.
4) Plug the printer cable into the DB25F.
5) Wrap the connector area in an insulator, so it doesn't
come in contact with other circuitry. (A little bubble wrap and
tape perhaps.)
6) If you have enough external printer cable length, you
could take a nylon cable wrap, to secure the cable to
give the cable some protection against being pulled free.

HTH,
Paul
 
G

gepicou

Flightless Bird
How to Install HP LaserJet 4L With a USB to Parallel Cable With Windows
XP


(FIRST GOTO PRINTERS AND FAXES ON LAPTOP IN CONTROL PANEL AND REMOVE
ALL HP 4L PRINTERS THAT ARE FOUND.)

1. Unplug power from HP 4L Printer for 2 minutes.Unplug USB cable from
HP 4L printer and computer. Turn off computer.
2. Plug USB Cable into HP 4L Printer only.
3. Plug HP 4L printer back into power outlet.
4. Turn laptop on. Let it boot up without USB cable plugged in.
5. Open Printer and Faxes from Control Panel. Make sure all HP 4L
Printers have been removed.
6. Next in upper left corner under printer tasks click on “Add A
Printer”
7. You will see printer wizard come up. It show that if you have a plug
and play IEEE USB cable that it will install automatically. (This does
not work for me.) Click on the Next button. Then select Local Printer.
Uncheck the next box that states “Automaticall detect and install my
plug & play printer. Click Next button.
8. Use the following port : LPT1 recommended printer port. ( Select
this for now after installation is complete we will change to a virtual
USB port in Settings) Click Next button.
9. Under install printer software: Under manufacturer select HP. Then
under Printers select HP LaserJet 4L. Click Next button.
10. Keep existing driver (recommended). Click Next button.
11. Use the name that comes up for printer. Also do not make this
printer the default at this time. If you wish for it to be the default
you can change that later in the printer and faxes in the control panel.
Click the Next button.
12. Do not share this printer. Click the Next button.
13. Do not print a test page. Click the Next button.
14. Your printer has been set up through the Printer Wizard. Click the
Finish button. ( Your not done yet).
15. Go to Printers and Faxes through your Control Panel from the START
button at lower left of your screen.
16. Click on the printer you just installed to highlight it. On the
upper left side under Printer Tasks click on “Set Printer Properties”
17. Once properties has opened click on the PORT tab. Change the LPT1
port to the “USB Virtual Printer Port” by placing a checkmark in the box
just to the left of “USB Virtual Printer Port”. On that same Port Tab
you must uncheck the Enable Bidirectional Support Box. (This can be
found at the bottom of the Port Tab Properties box.) If you do not
uncheck this box you printer will not work. Click the APPLY BUTTON. Then
click OK Button.
18. You’re done. Now you should be able to print from you HP LaserJet
4L Printer.
19. Good Luck!!!
 
Top