Printing to parallel printer with no parallel port

Question

Dell did not state there was no parallel port when buying my computer (Dimension E520) on line. There was no option to add a parallel port so how would I know one did not exist. Tech support said to buy a USB to parallel adapter, which I did. It does not work. Dell said they won't support it because I don't have a Dell printer! The tech never asked what kind of printer I have! Dell tech support also never told me Dell sold this adapter so I bought it from an online vendor (another reason Dell support won't help me). My only option now appears to be to buy a PCI parallel port, install it myself and hope that works. Of course, it appears I have to remove a device to free up a PCI slot. Before I go spend even more time and money, does anyone have experience with this?

PETER345 · Answer

You need to do your homework before buying. It is not Dells responsibility to make sure you buy a parallel port if you have such a printer.

Check other brands and see if they have parallel/serial ports.

Dell stopped putting parallel ports in by default 2 years ago (my 9100 from 2005 did not come with one). Ironically, cheaper machines (B110) I bought in 2006 came with a parallel port.

I just looked and the floppy is an option on your machine. I never buy floppy drives. I just put my old one in (some cheap Dells don't come with the bracket though).

Peter

NotHappy2007 · Answer

If 'many people have problems' then why did the tech tell me to get one? If Dell sold them, why didn't the tech tell me that. I did read the specs of the machine. This is the first time I've seen a Dell come without a parallel port, and I've bought many of them. Since the machines no longer come with a 3.5 floppy, isn't it offered as an option? Since many users buying Dells have parallel printers, doesn't it make sense to offer a parallel port as an option? Isn't that reasonable?

PETER345 · Answer

You should read the tech specs for the machine before buying. It tells you exactly what ports you get. It makes no sense to tell what you DON'T get. There will be a very large number of items NOT included in your machine.

These days, technology is changing so fast, I would suggest you don't assume anything is included, unless you see it explicitly listed. I find every time I buy a new computer, features have been added and removed (e.g. SATA vs. IDE, PCIe vs. AGP, DDR2 vs. DDR, etc.).

If you didn't buy the adapter from Dell, why should they support it?

Many people have problems with the USB converters for parallel, serial and PS/2 ports. You should have much fewer problems with the PCI card.

Peter

85rx-7se · Answer

You need to use a Bidirectional USB to Parallel Port Adapater if you want your printer to work ... or buy a PCI Card Parallel Port which also must be Bidirectional or it will not work This is the proper adapter: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1238067&CatId=471

NotHappy2007 · Answer

The one I bought stated it was bidirectional - USB to 1284 parallel printer cable.

85rx-7se · Answer

Did it come with any software and if so, did you Install the software ? ? You also need to configure the options on the Port that the adapter is using If you can provide the make / model of the adapter we can look up how to set it up and option it.

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Printing to parallel printer with no parallel port

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