Parallel to USB

R

rydin4life

New Member
So I have a Lexmark printer with Parallel hookup. My friend has a laptop with USB. I don't have the install disks anymore. Theoretically, can't I just buy a Parallell to USB converter and hook the printer up and then just download drivers for it and install them? Will that work or is there more to i?
 
You wouldn't have the full software package. But there's a number of printing programs(freewares - sharewares) to choose from. Generally you will need the basic hardware drivers for the model. If it's too old a model you may to search for generic drivers at sites like Omega. Otherwise you choose the "add new hardware" wizard to add a printer and see if the drivers will work while using the converter.
 
I don't really need the full software package, just to be able to print from Word or PaintShop or something. So then I assume the converter and drivers should do the trick.
 
You can just buy a Parallel to USB converter cable and that should be enough to get your printer up and running again. The cable should cost you about $30 or so...
 
Once the drivers are in and working simply hitting the "CTRL P" button or the print option in the program will work easy enough. But you can find parallel to usb converters for far less then $30 these days if you shop around a little. How about one for $14.95 seen at http://www.ebusinesscables.com/cgi-...yNumber=&template=Htx/display.htx&printhead=1

This would be one way to keep that printer running. But if it is an old beatup junker you could go with one of the many budget usb driven compacts as well. If it has the extra features like fax and document-photo scanner and otherwise is reliable grab a converter.
 
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