Solved two HP parallel printers fail to work with Windows 7 via USB-adapter

[guyc]

Hello

I can't get my HP LaserJet 4 Plus parallel printer to work via USB to my new laptop with Windows 7 Premium 64 bit. My HP DeskJet 820 Cse doesn't work either.

On eBay, I bought a USB to parallel printer cable adapter (Pluscom). Windows says it is working correctly, but nothing happens when connecting one of these two printers.

First I tried to print with the LaserJet: nothing. Then the DeskJet: nothing. I'm even unable to edit the properties of the DeskJet: Windows tells me that the print spooler is not working (I don't receive this error message while choosing the LaserJet).

A system restore to some days earlier (before I installed the printers) is also failing; Windows tells me this is because of antivirus (Avira free antivirus, up-to-date).

Any suggestion?

Greetz

Guy

 

[Mellon Head]

It might be that your printer drivers can't "see" the printers through the USB-Parallel cables, or the drivers for said cables aren't working right.

HP printers can be fussy with drivers, but USB to X adapters can be problematic too. I would try the adapter's support pages on the manufacturer's website (if there are any) and see if there are any suggestions for making it work.

Best of luck.

 

[WindowsStar]

Hello

I can't get my HP LaserJet 4 Plus parallel printer to work via USB to my new laptop with Windows 7 Premium 64 bit. My HP DeskJet 820 Cse doesn't work either.

On eBay, I bought a USB to parallel printer cable adapter (Pluscom). Windows says it is working correctly, but nothing happens when connecting one of these two printers.

First I tried to print with the LaserJet: nothing. Then the DeskJet: nothing. I'm even unable to edit the properties of the DeskJet: Windows tells me that the print spooler is not working (I don't receive this error message while choosing the LaserJet).

A system restore to some days earlier (before I installed the printers) is also failing; Windows tells me this is because of antivirus (Avira free antivirus, up-to-date).

Any suggestion?

Greetz

Guy

I hate to tell you this but NOT all USB to Parallel or USB to Serial adaptors are created equal. We had to do something similar and bought 5 different adaptors before we got anything working. -WS

 

[guyc]

partial solution found

Hello

I found a partial solution myself.

I bought the Targus PA095 docking station, which I managed to configure in Windows 7 after some trials. (This is an old device that I found for a cheap price on eBay, which comes with drivers for Windows 2000, but it worked with Windows 7, I think when I ran setup in XP- or Win2000 mode.)

My LaserJet 4 now runs fine, just like my old but precious Microsoft Natural PS/2-keyboard. The DeskJet 820 Cse though is still not working.

If someone can help me with my DeskJet, please let me know!

Thanks and greetings

Guy