Parallel port for printer

Question

Just order Dimension E510 desktop on May 25, 2006.  Now realize that it did not have a parallel port for a printer.  Currently I have an antique printer (Canon BJ-200ex) that we use it but not often.  I do not want to upgrade the printer because of that reason.  is there any way to connect that printer to the new computer that I will receive soon.   Thanks for your help.   Tri

fireberd · Answer

The first question is, whether the old BJ200 is Windows XP compatible. Not all older printers are compatible with Windows XP. XP has specific (and different) hardware and software requirements.

Check the Canon site for the status. If it is compatible you will need Windows XP specific drivers as the older Operating System Drivers are not compatible.

If it is compatible then a PCI Parallel port card should give you the interface. There are also USB/Parallel adapters but I've never got one of those to work or work correctly.

BTW, although I am not a Lexmark fan, a $29.95 new Lexmark that is Windows XP compatible will work and print better than the old BJ200.

triky40 · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions.   I will proceed 1. USB-parallel converter to see it will work if not 2. probally try Lenmark printer (the cheapest one)   Thanks again   Tri

volcano11 · Answer

Look how easy it is to find your answer on Google.com: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2005-11,GGLD:en&q=usb+parallel+port Steve

ejn63 · Answer

Your best bet is probably a USB to parallel cable. http://www.ebusinesscables.com/usb_to_parallel_converter.htm

ejn63 · Answer

Be careful with the Lexmark printers - the low up front cost disappears once you start buying their relatively expensive ink. Canon has a couple of inexpensive printers that are far less expensive to feed.

Leatheneck · Answer

I have a new Dimension E510 with Windows XP Pro I tried adding a PCI Parallel Card to drive an HP LaserJet 6P printer, never could get it to work properly, If I left the printer on the CPU would only give me the blinking amber light, If I turned the printer off and started the CPU then turned the printer on I could print fine......It was a Comp-USA card, which was supposed to be plug n play......not....the Comp-Tech’s was unable to solve the problem, they tried loading drivers and such. So I returned the card and tried the USB Cable Converter....bad idea, HP does not recommend this type of communication. Any suggestions on Card Mfg or installation procedure would be appreciated

David Bailey · Answer

The lexmark ink can be cheap though if you buy from Ebay

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Parallel port for printer

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