Hi,
I have recently bought a new HP computer and I am having a problem connecting my old printer to it. I have an old HP LaserJet 4 that still uses a Centronics printer cable. Since my computer is new, I want to find ways of how I can make my old printer work. What cable do I need to buy to make these two compatible with each other?
Hi,
You have not mentioned the model of your HP computer, as such it is assumed that this computer do not have a parallel printer port.
As such, you need to have a convertor to attach a USB printer port to a parallel printer port.
There are multiple products available in the market, for example see the picture
The cost of this item is between the range of 9 USD to 20 USD.
James
Hi Hannah,
You need a USB cable and printer drivers to start.
1. USB drivers can be like as per this site,
2. Printer drivers are available from the HP website,
Select the driver which suits to your printer. I am sure the same should work.
Best of luck!
Earlier printers support the original printer cable or parallel cable that connects to the printer port or LPT port. LPT stands for “Line Print Terminal”. I know modern CPU and computer brands still support parallel connection for backward compatibility with older printers but I just don’t know if there are new ones that no longer supports this port.
Now, if your CPU no longer supports parallel connection or it doesn’t have an LPT port or printer port, what you can do is buy a USB to parallel cable like this one from Newegg: 3ft USB to Parallel Printer Adapter Cable.
Another way to use your old printer is to install a printer adapter card like this one: StarTech 1 Port Low Profile PCI Parallel Adapter Card.
