How to Convert Parallel Dongle to USB

If you have an old printer or scanner that has a parallel dongle and can't connect it to a newer computer, don't throw it out yet. There is a solution to keeping them in use. Since most newer computers only support high data transfer ports known as USB 2.0, use a converter to connect them to an old peripheral device with a parallel adapter. This simple tool acts as the link between the two different formats.

Things You'll Need

• USB-to-parallel-adapter cable

Instructions

1. Plug the USB end of your "USB to Parallel" cable to an empty USB port on your computer.

2. Plug the parallel end of the "USB to Parallel" cable to the parallel dongle port on your printer or other parallel device.

3. Turn on your printer or device. A display message will say "Windows has detected new hardware."

4. Place the installation disc that comes with your device into the CD-ROM drive of your computer, then follow the setup and installation directions to install your device's drivers.

5. Test your device to see if there is a communication. If you connected a printer, try printing a test page. If you connected a scanner, try scanning a document. If your tests were successful, your parallel dongle port has been converted to a USB connection.

References

• USB to Parallel Adapters
• Parallel Port Dongle