Connecting old printer to new computer

daydreambeliever_3

I've got a new computer but it hasn't got any spaces to connect my old printer to. The printer cable has got a big connecter thing on it but there's only small holes left to use on the back of the tower. Is it possible to get a new cable which will fit the printer and the tower?

pimpers

Yes you can.

Look here.

You might get one cheaper on ebay but at least the cables can be purchased.

Pimpers.

daydreambeliever_3

Thanks, although that says it's not compatable with Vista which is what I've got. Now I know you can get them I'll have a look round.

espresso

daydreambeliever wrote: »

Thanks, although that says it's not compatable with Vista which is what I've got. Now I know you can get them I'll have a look round.

Is is Centronics to USB that you want?

daydreambeliever_3

espresso, is Centronics the type of connector?
Both ends of the cable that's on it are big (a couple of inches long) oblong shaped things. There's another hole in the printer which is a small square shape (ethernet?) and the ones in the tower are USB's

Inactive

Before you go buying anything, it may be prudent to check if your printer will work with Vista, many older ones will not.

rdpro

USB printer port on left, parallel (old style) on right





Ethernet port

If you have a router, you could try plugging the printer into that using the ethernet connection (if it has one), but you'd still need Vista drivers

espresso

daydreambeliever wrote: »

espresso, is Centronics the type of connector?
Both ends of the cable that's on it are big (a couple of inches long) oblong shaped things. There's another hole in the printer which is a small square shape (ethernet?) and the ones in the tower are USB's

Yes the right hand picture in post #7 is a 36 way Centronics parallel connector. You can get an adaptor cable here that may suit your needs. The other conector that you mention may well be an Ethernet port like shown below to the left:

Conor_3

If your old printer doesn't work with Vista, you can get around this and the connection problem at the same time by buying a cheap printer server and accessing the printer over the network.

daydreambeliever_3

Thanks very much for your answers.
I've now found that my scanner won't work with Vista either and I'm wondering if I'd be better off getting a new printer and scanner combined as the printer I've got isn't very good with photos.
Can anyone recommend one?

oldagetraveller

daydreambeliever wrote: »

Can anyone recommend one?

I've got this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/CANON-PIXMA-MP210-PHOTO-4800X1200/dp/B000UXAORG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204206108&sr=8-1

and can highly recommend. Ink cartridges are not overly expensive, but not the cheapest either. (about £10-£12 each)