Printer USB to parallel port

If you have an older computer which doesn’t have a USB port, or you don’t have any available USB connections, you may not be able to immediately hook up your new printer. If you are having problems connecting your new printer because you don’t have a USB port, you may be able to still connect your printer by using one of the below options…

If you simply do not have any available USB ports, buy a USB hub. It will cost as little as £20 and will be well worth the money as you continue to add gadgets to your computer.

Check your printer to see if it has a parallel port. It could still have a parallel port even if the printer came with only a USB cable. A parallel port is a D-shaped port with 25 pins. If the printer has a port like this, you can easily connect it to your computer by simply purchasing the correct cable. Go to your local PC shop and ask for a ‘parallel cable’.

If your computer has absolutely no USB capability, and your printer has no parallel port you will need to get a USB expansion card or a USB to parallel converter. The USB to parallel converter is the cheaper option, but it is only a partial solution, as the printing software will still not work, and you will need to find and download the software.

A USB expansion card can cost anywhere from £10 to £60, and you need to be certain that your computer meets the requirements that come with the card. In some cases, it may be more cost effective to wait until you can update your computer to a model that comes with USB capability.