New printer - can't connect

Chris1001

Have just bought a new printer - HP Deskjet F2400 - only to find that my (fairly ancient) computer doesn't have the right socket. Assumed a USB socket would suffice but the correct socket is something with three little pins which I assume newer models have, but mine doesn't. Is there an adaptor you can buy?
Many thanks

penrhyn

The socket with three little pins sounds like the power socket, other possibilities would be Ethernet.
The USB socket is next to the power socket, did you look at the manual?

KillerWatt

The connector with 3 pins is where you connect the power supply.

triggerhappy_2

The spec says USB 2.0: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ie/en/ho/WF06a/18972-18972-238444-410635-410635-3811093.html

Are you sure you're looking at the right bit? Ports are often hidden behind a door on printers.

triggerhappy_2

Actually, looking at the 360 view you need a Type A to B USB cable like this: http://www.lindy.co.uk/05m-usb-2-cable-type-a-to-b-grey/31643.html (that's not particularly cheap - just an example of what one looks like.)

As above, the one with the three pins is the power cable, the USB port is to the left of that.

Chris1001

Thank you everyone - you are all so helpful. I now see what I'm doing wrong. The plug goes into the printer - I was looking on the computer! Oh ... this is so embarrassing. But then, what bit goes into the computer? How does it communicate?

I'm now going to make dinner (something at which I'm not a complete doofus at) and come back to sorting out the printer later. Maybe tomorrow - if we open a bottle of wine.

Thanks again guys.

penrhyn

I'm just the opposite couldn't fry an egg tonight without breaking the yolk.

With your bog standard USB cable the square end goes in the printer and the rectangular end goes in the PC, but follow the S/W installation instructions as you don't normally plug the printer in at the start.

triggerhappy_2

See my post above - you need a cable that looks like that. The smaller end goes into the port to the left of the power connection and teh rectangular flat end goes into the USB port on the computer.

Your confusion is most likely because most manufacturers don't include the USB cable with printers. Bloody ridiculous btu you'll have to go buy one before you can use your printer.

Chris1001

Oh right, I see. I was thinking there must have been some sort of wireless communication .... obviously this is just silly...... I'll check the USB cable from my old printer - hopefully it'll be as illustrated and I can use that. I'm very bad at computers. Unfortunately son away. Daughter OK, but only with software. Husband worse than me. Ok ... back to the stir fry!

diable

Chris1001 wrote: »

Thank you everyone - you are all so helpful. I now see what I'm doing wrong. The plug goes into the printer - I was looking on the computer! Oh ... this is so embarrassing. But then, what bit goes into the computer? How does it communicate?

I'm now going to make dinner (something at which I'm not a complete doofus at) and come back to sorting out the printer later. Maybe tomorrow - if we open a bottle of wine.

Thanks again guys.

Chris1001

Funny! Have a good evening. Half a bottle of wine later, no more printers for me tonight.