Connecting HP722C to Dimension C521 via USB-Parallel cable

Question

I just purchased a Dell Dimension C521 running Windows XP Media Center Edition. Upon unpacking I found that this system has no parallel port connector so how to connect my HP Deskjet 722C? I took the logical (to me) approach and ordered a USB to Parallel Adapter cable from Dell. This cable is manufactured by Keyspan and is model UP-6C. I installed the cable and connected the printer per instructions. The system recognized the USB plug in immediately, but when I connected the printer and turned it on, the system didn't see it. I tried to install the printer manually (Control Panel > Printers & Faxes). The Wizard was able to find the HP 722 drivers and the Icon came up OK, but nothing will print. Print jobs just sit in the waiting line forever. I installed on USB001, USB Printing Support and everything looks OK in Device Manager.

I really like this printer and would like to keep it. Any ideas? Should I buy a PCI low profile parallel card and see if it'll work with that?

Thanks for any help.

Al

europa303 · Answer

I have installed 3 PCI parallel cards for myself and others, (cheap, and all from newegg.com) and all have worked fine.  There have been some reports on the forums that the conversion cables do not always work as intended.  So I think you're on the right track.  I used to have two 722 printers, they were good printers.

fireberd · Answer

HP printers have always been 'ultra' sensitive to the Parallel port cables.  I've even seen new cables that wouldn't work on one HP but would work on another model or other brands.    The USB/Parallel port cables, that I tried never worked, as not all of the control bi-directional control signals were present on the adapter and the HP's need all of the bi-directional control signals.    The PCI card, as noted by europa303 is the best way (only way) to go.  Also, when you install it make sure you option it for the correct mode.  ECP is the best (fastest) but some older printers won't work if it's set to ECP mode.  EPP is the next slower mode and most will work with that option.  If not then you will have to go to the basic bi-directional mode.   Finally, before you go to the point of adding the PCI card, if you plan on upgrading to Vista you need to check to see if the printer will be Vista Compatible.  May be time to re-evaluate the 'old reliable' printer and just opt for a new USB connected XP/Vista compatible printer.  We buy nice fancy and fast new PC's but forget about the 'old' (and usually slow) peripherals. Message Edited by fireberd on 01-11-200706:59 AM

Tim Ryan · Answer

Hi,   Did you find a PCI parallel card for your C521? If so what did you buy?   I bought one but it does not fit in the slot provided.   Any help would be appreciated.   Regards, Tim

CactusAl · Answer

Hi Tim, If you have the C521 the card has to be a 'low profile' type.  I bought mine (a StarTech.com product) from buy.com.  My system only has one standard PCI slot (its white), and that was occupied by the modem so I had to buy an external USB modem :smileymad:  But at least the parallel port is now working.   Hope this helps.   Regards, Al

Gina Q · Answer

However, if you do not use the dial-up modem because you have high speed Internet service then just remove the modem and put in the parallel card. I had a customer do that one time since he did not need the dial-up modem. But if you're on dial up then an external one is the way to go.

Printers

Connecting HP722C to Dimension C521 via USB-Parallel cable

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