How to Troubleshoot a USB to Parallel Cable
If you have an older computer peripheral device (such as a printer or scanner) that requires a serial port connection, yet you have a newer computer that only comes equipped with USB ports, you'll need to connect the serial port to a USB port. This is done through a USB-to-parallel-port adapter cable. However, even after having connected the cable to the computer, you may find that your computer does not properly detect the parallel device.
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Things You'll Need
- USB-to-parallel adapter cable
- USB-to-parallel adapter driver installation CD
- Parallel port device driver installation CD
Instructions
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Check the connections between the USB cable, the USB-to-parallel adapter, and the parallel cable. Make sure all connections are secure, otherwise the data may not transfer properly. If the parallel port has tightening screws, hand tighten these screws to ensure a tight connection.
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Install the adapter driver, if you have not yet done so. Even if you have installed the parallel port driver, you must also install the adapter driver. A driver installation CD is provided with the adapter. Insert the CD into the computer, then follow the prompts when the installation wizard loads.
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Install any drivers related to the parallel device (printer, scanner, etc.). Like all other hardware, your parallel hardware needs an installed driver. These drivers usually come with your parallel device at the time of purchase.
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Open your Web browser and navigate to your parallel port's manufacturing site. Look up "Support" and select your particular device. Download the updated system drivers for your operating system. Often times, when the operating system is upgraded, the hardware doesn't function without the updated drivers.
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Power on the parallel device after the computer has been turned on. If you turn on the hardware before, the computer may not detect it after the operating system has loaded.
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References
- Photo Credit Tastatur und USB / Keyboard and USB image by Nazar Chabara from Fotolia.com
