USB2 to parallel port connection help required

billyous

Hi, a friend has acquired a new-ish printer with with a USB2 connection only to find that his Windows 98 pc is only equipped with a parallel port (he assures me that there are no USB connections on the pc). I've trawled the internet (without success) looking for a suitable cable, which leads me to think that it isn't possible to connect in this way?? I would appreciate any help in finding a solution.

many thanks in advance, guys/gals

BP

Red_Rose_Exile

There are USB to parallel connectors, such as this one but invariably are unreliable. The other concern I personally would have is driver issues

billyous

Thanks. My mistake, but it's a 'B' type connection (the square-ish printer type) and parallel connection at the other end.

Red_Rose_Exile

In that case no, there isn't, However, I assume the PC has an ethernet port or is attached to a router? If so, then the only way forward would be to use a USB Print server such as this one and then using a standard USB A to USB B cable and a standard CAT5 cable

KeithP

Assuming its a desktop machine, might be worth adding a USB port. Something like this one from Novatech (others are available).

If it is Win98, I think you will need to upgrade to Win98SE for usb support, but not too sure on this point.

billyous

Sorry RRE, I don't have that info as I haven't seen the set-up, but I believe it's just an old computer and a new-ish computer. I don't think the friend will be too interested in pursuing the matter if it involves more than a single cable solution! I think I'll just inform them that it's a non-starter. Thanks for your help anyway.

billyous

Keith P, thanks, but I know my friend wouldn't even consider fiddling with the internals. They live in Essex and I live in Lincoln, so it's not exactly convenient for me to do it for them. Thanks anyway.

I have suggested they buy a pc from THIS millenium!

Red_Rose_Exile

Win 98 fully supported USB 1, but as I pointed out earlier, my biggest concern would still be the driver. I would agree that, possibly, despite me disliking spending money unnecessarily, a newer pc with a newer Operating system would be a sound idea

billyous

Thanks RRE. I don't think they WILL do that as I've already (jokingly) mentioned it.

snowqueen555

yes a lot of adaptors dont work with various computers and os', and you need the drivers as well, i am not sure if windows 98 has its own one