How to Convert a Parallel Connection to a USB
If you are in the market for a new computer, you may be wondering if you will be able to use your old parallel-based printer with your new hardware. If your new PC does not have a parallel port to match your printer, you may think that you need to throw the printer away and buy a new one; but that may not be necessary. With the right equipment, you can connect your old printer to your new PC, even if that computer does not have an old-style parallel connection.
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Instructions
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Check the back of your computer to see if it has a parallel connection. This connection will be long and rectangular, and it is often red in color. If you do not have a parallel connection on your computer, you will need to purchase a USB-to-parallel converter cable.
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Make sure your computer has at least one free USB port available. The USB port will be a small flat slot, and there may be two or three of these slots together on the front and/or back of your computer.
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Connect the printer cable to the parallel port on the back of the printer. Then connect the parallel end of the converter cable to the end of the printer cable.
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Connect the USB end of the converter cable to a free USB port on your computer. Plug your printer in and turn it on, then install the set-up software that came with the printer. Print a test page to make sure you have good communication between the printer and the computer.
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