USB to Parallel Driver Help

[sjf621]

I purchased a new computer a few months back that didn't have a parallel printer port installed. My Laserjet 1100 didn't have USB capabilities so I purchased a USB to Parallel Adapter (part # SW-1302) and Centronics to Mini Centronics (Part # SW-2104). The printer was working fine up until a few weeks ago when it keeps giving me "The document failed to print" errors immediately after I click the print button. I want to reinstall the USB to Parallel Adapter drivers but can't figure out how to. The CD it came with doesn't have any files that can run the program. Any idea how I can uninstall the original drivers (I have no idea where they were stored) so I can just plug the USB connector in and have it automatically recognize and restore the drivers?

Thanks,

Steph

[mark]

The easiest way to reinstall the printer and drivers would be to delete the printer from your "Printers and faxes" folder, (assuming you are using Windows) disconnect the printer, and the USB adapter then resart your computer. 

First connect the USB to Parallel adapter.  It will load with default drivers (built into Windows).  Then you can reconnect your printer.  It should reinstall itself and should be working properly.

If you are still having trouble, there are a handfull of other tricks we can try, but that generally takes care of most of the problems.

[sjf621]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the response. I am using Windows XP. I did what was suggested and it didn't work. Once I restarted the computer I replugged the USB to parallel adapter, but I didn't get the popup I usually do saying that a new device was found. I then tried connecting it to the printer, but it didn't reinstall itself automatically. I tried going to printers and faxes and adding it manually, but it didn't automatically find the printer. I tried installing it manually again, but keep getting the same printer errors.

-Steph

[mark]

Try opening the Device Manager (Start, Control Panel, System, Hardware tab) and check if you have any question marks or exclamation points indicating a problem. 

If not, try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB adapter cable with the device manager open.  The device manager should refresh (everything will collapse then expand again) if your computer recognizes the change in hardware.  If you get no response at all, there is a problem either with the adapter, or your USB ports/controller.

These USB adapters are typically very reliable, but there is always the possibility with hardware that something has failed.  Try another USB port, or even another computer and see if it is being recognized.

[sjf621]

Thanks Mark. I tried this as well with no results. I also tried connecting it to a USB on a different computer and it wasn't recognized. I guess the USB cord went bad.

Thanks for your help,

Steph

[mark]

I'm really sorry to hear it, contact tech support and you can get it exchanged. 

(We sell a LOT of those, and I've only ever seen a handfull that have gone bad--just a thought but this might not be your year for the lottery)

[Gio]

Hello,

 I seem to be having the same problem with my HP Color LaserJet 4550 printer. I am using Windows XP Pro SP2. and a Dell Inspiron 5150 Laptop.
With a Hard drive and OS just installed from scratch.

I am using the Centronics to Mini Centronics SW-2104 adapter along with the USB to parallel adapter.

My problem is slightly different than sjf621's but very similar.
I can only print as long as I do not shut down the printer and laptop.
When I restart them (no matter which unit I start first), I lose connectivity and get the same error message as sjf621 - "The document failed to print".
I can see all the pending print jobs waiting in the print spool but nothing works unless I erase and reinstall the print drivers from scratch.
Again this only works as long as I do not shut down the units.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[jfuchs10]

Hello all-
 I have just bought an HP Pavilion DV6000 with windows vista. I use the USB to parallel cable to connect to my parallel HP laserjet 1100. When I plug the usb cable into the PC sometimes it recognizes the HP 1100 and installs the drivers and other times it says unknown device plugged in. If I look at system ICON it shows unrecognized device. I am forced to delete the printer. unplug the cable . then re-plug the cable.
This occurs after the printing of a page which takes an error.
 So it appears the usb to parallel cable is working but I have a problem with the driver under windows vista.  Any idea?
 thanks, Jeff

[Gio]

I figured out the problem,
This may or may not apply to jfuchs10 , but it certainly is a Crucial factor in  maintaining communication with your HP printer.

You Must first turn on the Hp printer and wait till it is Completely ready. Do not turn on your computer till the printer has completely warmed-up and is indicating that it is ready. Then turn on your computer and it will detect your hp every time.

Of course This is assuming that you have the right drivers, they are install correctly and that the cables area working fine.

Since I have been following this startup sequence I have had no printer communication failure errors.
It turns out that some HP laser printers require to be started and initiated first in order to be detected properly.

Good Luck and keep me posted.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE

[mark]

When working with older printers there can often be a lot of odd workarounds that you have to do to keep everything happy.  You might also be able to disable bidirectional support for the printer, that way the computer won't wait for all of the OKs to come back from the printer--it will just assume that it is there and ready by the time you send a print job.

[comp871]

PURCHASED PARRELL TO USB CABLE FOR HP LJ 6P . USING WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL.  WHEN I PLUG INTO COMPUTER, I KEEP GETTING THE MESSAGES UNKNOWN DEVICE.  HAVE TRIED ALL USB PORTS.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG.

THANKS
WSC

[Jonathan]

PURCHASED PARRELL TO USB CABLE FOR HP LJ 6P . USING WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL.  WHEN I PLUG INTO COMPUTER, I KEEP GETTING THE MESSAGES UNKNOWN DEVICE.  HAVE TRIED ALL USB PORTS.

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG.

THANKS
WSC

Is the printer already plugged into the cable when you plug the cable into the computer?  If so that can often cause the problem.  The cable has to be plugged in and installed before you attach the printer.    Also, is your LJ 6P a version that has a built in copier or scanner?  if it is, then those cables don't work for them anyway.

[ISP]

I bought this: http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoparallel.asp

Some "experts" at the H-P support forum told me that this might get my new Dell (with XP) to work with my old H-P Laserjet 2100 printer.

I tried the trick of starting the computer after turning on the printer first but keep getting error messages for the print jobs. With the old usb/parallel cable supplied by Dell the combination would print sporadically especially if I just sent 3 or 4 pages at a time to print.

With your cable nothing prints.

I have installed the correct printer driver.

[Jonathan]

You need to make sure you plug the USB to parallel cable into the computer while the computer is on.  And only plug in the cable when you plug it into the computer (no printer attached).    That will allow the cable to install properly.  If you already had the printer hooked to the cable when you plugged it in, or if the computer was off when you plugged it in, that may be why it won't work

Then after that you need to attach the printer and turn it on, then make sure it is set to port USB001 in the ports settings in the printer properties.  Also make sure bi-directional support and printer pooling are not enabled.

Also, if you are using a printer that has a built in copier, scanner, or fax. It will not work.

If you have any questions on how to perform any of those steps please let me know.

[ISP]

I have tried all the above and also followed the same basic instructions on page 13 at http://www.coolgear.com/images/317474EnglishManual.pdf

Still no go.

With the Dell cable it would print out half the time if I sent only 2 to 3 pages at a time to the printer.

With this new cable nothing prints out.