Using printer server to access old printer??

Have an older HP 812C parallel port printer and a new Toshiba laptop with Windows 7 and no parallel ports. Bought a parallel to USB cable but it doesn't work... prints gibberish. Was wondering if there is a way to hook up a wireless print server (with parallel port) and use the printer that way. Unfortunately live in a rural area and still using a slow phone Internet connection. But couldn't this setup be just a simple LAN with no Internet... just signal from computer through wireless print server to old printer?? Would this work?? Apparently, info from HP forums, Windows 7 does have drivers available for this old HP printer. Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks.

P.S. I know, I know... why not buy a new printer. But I don't print much and have been refilling cartridges for years and they work great. Could buy a wireless parallel print server for $30 instead of buying a new printer with expensive cartridges that can't be refilled and dry up when not being used.

Yes it can be setup as just a LAN, no internet.
you don't need a internet connection to have a home LAN. But what you will need, or maybe not need but it would be useful, is a router. But you can get by without one of those.

Problem is if that printer does not have any internal memory, and from my recollection that series HP printer did not have any internal memory, printing will be very slow if it works at all connected to a print server.

Most Print servers do not have any internal memory either so everything has to be done, processed, on the PC. Which isn't a problem when the printer is connected directly to a computer.

What you might try is using your old computer as a host for that printer. That way it will use the memory in that PC to handle the print jobs. Then network the 2 PC together in a home LAN. Using just a basic Ethernet switch will help.

Post back with comments on my suggestions and I'll try to give you instruction on how to set it up.


EDIT:
It would be easier and cheaper, in the long run, to just go and buy a newer printer that will work with your new notebook and operating system. Basic printers are cheap these days.
God I just looked at basic HP printers and they start at 29.99 and with WiFi 59.99.