Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 27774 2002-12-02 11:18:00 USB printer connection Peter M (852) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
102729 2002-12-02 11:18:00 I am changing my printer from one that has a parallel connector to one that has a USB plug. What do I need to change on the pc? Do I need a usb card or is there a parallel to usb adapter available that will simply plug straight in? My printer is currently plugged into the scanner. Peter M (852)
102730 2002-12-02 17:59:00 I could be wrong here and i will stand corrected if I am...............

I am sure you can get converters/adapters to fit between a USB plug and your current parallel plug on the computer/scanner. Go to one of your PC stores and ask what adapters they have available.
Your next option I think would be to install a dedicated USB card which I think come with two USB connections as a minimum so that would leave you a spare slot for future hardware.
duckyduck (197)
102731 2002-12-02 19:50:00 If your PC does not have a USB socket, does your operating system support USB?

Windows 95 is not happy with USB, nor is NT, Windows 98 may be OK, 98SE is fine.
All later Windows should be OK.
You may fing a parallel to USB may not work with your printer software, so be wary. A USB PCI card should work, but depends on your operating system.
godfather (25)
102732 2002-12-02 20:23:00 If you have a USB port on your computer - small rectangular slots - then you don't need a new card. What you will need is a USB lead as the printer is unlikely to come with one. This lead is quite different from your existing printer lead. It has different plugs at both ends.

If you plug it in and it doesn't work you will need to make sure USB in enabled in the BIOS.
Heather P (163)
102733 2002-12-03 09:07:00 Thanks to all for the replies. My o/s is Win 98. I have two rectangular ports at rear of PC but don't know what they are both for. My phone line is plugged into one of them. The other one is empty. Haven't checked the Bios yet. Peter M (852)
102734 2002-12-03 09:26:00 Phone line? Didn't know they can go into USB. A USB port is a thin, long rectangle - not an almost square.

For a picture of the cable check out Dick Smith (www.dse.co.nz)
Heather P (163)
102735 2002-12-03 09:30:00 If the phone is plugged into one the the (rectangular) ports then that will be the modem. If the (other) rectangular) port is on the same backplate then this will be another BT plug which you can plug your PHONE into.

USB ports are different. You probably need a PCI / USB card and have to use Win98 OSR2, Win98SE or later for the Operating system to go with USB.
Elephant (599)
1