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USB to Parallel Printer Cable Adapter - Centronics 36
$5.39

Product No: 18031

Made In:

Availability: 946 In Stock

New in Retail Box
30 Days Warranty

Do you have a parallel port printer that you want to run on a USB port? Take a look at this terrific USB to parallel port adapter cable! New desktop and notebook computers only come with USB. I bet you still want to use your reliable workhorse printer with your new computer. I have a ten year old laser printer and use this USB to Parallel cable to keep on printin'!

Plug the male centronics connector directly into the printer.

General Features:

  • 4 to 6-feet long (depending on the factory batch.)
  • 36-pin Centronics male
  • Plug-and-play
  • Complies with USB specification v1.1
  • USB full speed communication and bus powered
  • USB Printer Class Specification 1.0 compliant
  • IEEE-1284 1994 (bi-directional parallel interface) specification compliant

Package Includes:

  • USB to Parallel Cable
  • Users manual
  • Drivers CD (for Windows 98SE). Windows 2000, XP, and Vista has drivers built into OS

Product Requirements:

  • Available USB port on the computer
  • Available standard Parallel port on printer (mini-Centronics aka 1284c common on HP printers will not work with this cable - you need our USB to DB25F)
  • Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista
  • MacOS 8.6, 9.x, 10.x

Compatibility List (Incomplete):

Previous: USB to DB25 Female Parallel Printer Cable Adapter
Next: USB 2.0 & FireWire 4+2 PCI Combo Card VIA + VIA chipset

Comments

dave :
Posted 1202 days ago
The USB to serial printer cable works only partially. I am using Macintosh (iMac G4) and OS 10.3.9. The cable allows printing to my HP Laserjet 2100m from Microsoft Word and other software running on Mac OS X, but printing from software (Claris Draw) running in Classic mode is not working.
TekGems :
Posted 1121 days ago
Instructions for Installing the USB to Parallel Adapter

Windows ME, 2000, XP, Vista

1) Plug the cable into the USB port on your computer.

2) A prompt that says "Found New Hardware" will appear. Windows will then install the USB printing support driver. You do not need to install the driver from the CD.

3) Plug the cable into the printer.

4) If your printer is already installed, click on Start, then Printers & Faxes. Right click on the printer you are connecting to and click on Properties. Click on the Ports tab and check the ‘Virtual printer port for USB’ port. Click OK.

5) You should now be able to print
TekGems :
Posted 1085 days ago
Some customers have stated they have a mini/micro Centronics rather than the standard Centronics you see pictured for this product. The least expensive solution is to use a two cable combination: 1) a mini/micro Centronics to DB25 Male cable, and 2) a DB25 Female to USB cable. We carry both type of cables. The are other solutions available but they are far more expensive (e.g. a Port replicator, or a Centronics to mini/micro Centronics adapter).
Lucy :
Posted 987 days ago
I have a HP LaserJet 1100 printer that has parallel
connection but now I have a new computer that does not have a parallel port. The cable that I was using with my old computer and the mentioned printer was Belkin Pro Series High Speed IEEE 1284 Compliant. HP uses a special "C" type connector so I can't use a USB to parallel adapter. What cable should I get? I appreciate your support on this question. Thank you. Lucy
TekGems :
Posted 987 days ago
Hi Lucy - Since there is no USB to mini/micro C (the special C type you refer) cable, you need a two cable solution. You may already have the mini/micro C to parallel cable. You attach a DB25F to USB female cable to that. Its our la-par02-db25f cable. That create the USB connection you need to hook your printer to a computer.
Lewis Hooker :
Posted 987 days ago
Lucy, that garbled on my screen (the TekGems reply). Back up one screen and look for the USB to DB Parallel Female 6-Ft Printer Cable Adapter. It is their product no: 18030, and runs $8.99, plus shipping. If you read the comments/questions on that page, almost half refer to the HP 1100, which I also have. I was going to buy a print server box, but I believe now I am going to buy that cable myself for my HP 1100. What you will do is use the original HP cable (mini-Certronics to parallel). Take the end that plugged into your old computer and plug it into this new cable. The other end of the new cable has a USB plug. Plug that into your computer. These people (TekGems) are incredibly patient. If you have any problems after that, read the comments on that item's page. Most of them had the same issues and questions, and the TekGems people answered them patiently. If you don't have your original printer cable, they can sell you that as well. But, if you have your original printer cable, then buy that other adapter cable from them, and you should be in business.
Lucy :
Posted 964 days ago
Hi, TekGems and Lewis Hooker! You both are wonderful!!! I got the cable and it did work. Thank you very much for your help and all of the information you gave me to get the cable and create the USB connection that I needed to hook my old printer to my new computer. Lewis, thank you for the details that helped a lot.
ernie finnegan :
Posted 953 days ago
is there a cable that you can run between a new printer with a usb port and an old computer with 98se and has a parallel port
TekGems :
Posted 951 days ago
No, this is not possible since your USB printer does not have the drivers to recognize such a cable. Purchase a USB Card for your computer.
Larry :
Posted 950 days ago
I got my cable today. I have ann Epson Action Laser 1500. Vista recognized the cable but the printer still will not respond. What am I doing wrong? Thanks
lh
Hans Christen :
Posted 950 days ago
I plug in this cable, and Vista tells me that it doesn't have drivers for this and that I should either insert the disk or get the drivers from the manufacturer. Suggestions?
Bob :
Posted 944 days ago
I too have an HP1100 and was considering the cable combination discussed by Lucy and Lewis. My situation is complicated by the fact that I use a Mac computer running OSX 10.5.1 Does anyone have any experience with that and doesthe cable come with Mac drivers? Thanks
TekGems :
Posted 944 days ago
Yes, the cable works on Mac and some HP printers.
See this link:
http://www.electrictao.net/mac.shtml
We unfortunately do not provide support for Mac installation, unless someone wants to donate a Mac Mini to us! =)
Carol :
Posted 920 days ago
Will this cable connect a Panasonic #KX -P1223 dot matrix printer to my new computer with Windows VISTA? I bought a Belkin adapter at my Office Depot and although it recognized my printer it would not communicate with it. The Belkin was not specified to work with Vista and it didn't. Will this one work ? Thanks.
Gail :
Posted 904 days ago
I have a Toshiba laptop with Vista and a HP LaserJet 5MP. Would this adaptor work (parallel to USB)??? Also, I have a G4 with OS9 as planB. Would adaptor work with this one???? THANKS!!!!
Bernie :
Posted 900 days ago
I have a HP Laser Jet 2100 PCL6 and I bought a Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter, everything seemed to fit and I was able to print 1 page and then nothing. When I unplugged and replugged again nothing, it says it found the hardware but it won't print..when i tried to unplug a third time my new Dell computer seemed to lose power, the screend turned black but then came back again Help!
Joe :
Posted 882 days ago
I need to print from an older legacy DOS based program to a USB printer. The Printer has only a USB or network connection, no centronics parallel port. Is there a cable for this or another way to do this?
TekGems :
Posted 882 days ago
Unfortunately, there are no DOS drivers for the Virtual Printer Port. These cables do not provide true parallel port use like a PCI card (for desktop) or PCMCIA card on laptop would provide. We sell both types of product if you need to use your printer or parallel devices in an atypical setup.
Greg :
Posted 850 days ago
I have a notebook computer without a parallel printer port only usb. I wish to print from a dos program that prints fine on my old computer through the parallel port. Will this work?
steve :
Posted 834 days ago
I have an old HP LaserJet 3100 -- love it. Just go a new Dell and will need some sort of adapter. Looks like you might have an adapter. However, when I check the HP site, it indicates Vista (I run Vista Home Basic) does not support this printer. Am I out of luck, adapter or no? Thanks.
steve
TekGems :
Posted 834 days ago
Yes, that is correct. If you have a printer model that is not supported in Vista, having a printer cable connection that fits does not help. The easiest way to see if your LJ 3100 is supported or not is to go to the Control Panel and "Add Printer". Under Manufacturer HP, look for your LaserJet 3100.
F. McMillan :
Posted 783 days ago
I have a Toshiba laptop running Vista, and someone has just given me a HP Officejet 1175Cse (all-in-one) with a 36-pin Centronics port. I have found a Vista-compatible driver for it, but need a parallel to USB cable. Will product #18031 work for me? Thanks.
TekGems :
Posted 783 days ago
Sounds like it will. Please compare the connector shape with your printer. We provide a large picture for this reason. The description shows both the cable we sell and the type of printer connector it will fit with.
Richrad :
Posted 760 days ago
I read this post:
Lucy, that garbled on my screen (the TekGems reply). Back up one screen and look for the USB to DB Parallel Female 6-Ft Printer Cable Adapter. It is their product no: 18030, and runs $8.99, plus shipping. If you read the comments/questions on that page, almost half refer to the HP 1100, which I also have. I was going to buy a print server box, but I believe now I am going to buy that cable myself for my HP 1100. What you will do is use the original HP cable (mini-Certronics to parallel). Take the end that plugged into your old computer and plug it into this new cable. The other end of the new cable has a USB plug. Plug that into your computer. These people (TekGems) are incredibly patient. If you have any problems after that, read the comments on that item's page. Most of them had the same issues and questions, and the TekGems people answered them patiently. If you don't have your original printer cable, they can sell you that as well. But, if you have your original printer cable, then buy that other adapter cable from them, and you should be in business.
TekGems :
Posted 678 days ago
Yes, this cable work with the Samsung. The current length of the cable is about 4 feet. You can buy a USB cable extender if you need extra length. It works with Vista. Samsung SCX-4100 drivers are available for their web site. You already have a USB port on the printer though, so you don't need a printer like this. You can also use the SCAN function if you use a pure USB cable.
Jen :
Posted 640 days ago
Hi - I have a hp laserjet 1100 and i'm getting a new computer that has vista premium - i know i need a mini/type C to usb connector - what do you recommend? Also, how can i ensure that this will work with vista?
Bill :
Posted 625 days ago
Hi - I have Epson Color 600 and a new HP Pavillion laptop with Vista Home Premium 64 bit OS. I've added in the Vista driver support for the Color 600 as a USB port and checked the box. But cannot print. When I check the printer it has document queued with the message "error printing" in the status field, Please advise. Thanks
Garen :
Posted 621 days ago
Will this work with a HP Laserjet III?
TekGems :
Posted 621 days ago
Yes, the LaserJet III has a Centronics 36 connector. Your computer needs a free USB port to connect the other end of the cable to. http://bit.ly/11RiQ
Kris :
Posted 599 days ago
I bought an EpsonNX 400 printer and a Windows 98 computer. If I get a USB adapter will my computer recognize the printer?
Ruben Ramirez :
Posted 575 days ago
I have a Toshiba A205-S5810 and would like to hook up a HP deskjet 855c to it. Will product 18031 work? Thx.
Arlene Hege :
Posted 570 days ago
I have a HP LaserJet 4MP and a QMS 860 I'd like to be able to use with my MacBook Pro. Will this adapter work for that?
Arlene Hege :
Posted 562 days ago
I just got my cable today and it does work with my HP LaserJet 4MP on a MacBook Pro. Hooray, I got my laser printer back!!! Next I'll try it on my QMS 860 and let you know.
Paul :
Posted 523 days ago
I have a 64-bit vista install that sees the new device when I plug in the cable but can't find a driver for it. Is this supposed to be supported on vista 64-home premium sp1?
Huynh :
Posted 521 days ago
Please help me
I have HP laserjet 2100TN printer, laptop: compaq presario C700 (OS: windows XP) and I have used this cable. But I when I add printer and choose LJ2100 PCL5e Windows2k XP 2003 EN driver, printer does not print anything when I print test page
TekGems :
Posted 521 days ago
You do need drivers for this cable since it has been built into Windows since ME. The most common causes of a print test not working:

1) The printer software is not available for your version of Windows

2) Printer is not pointing to the correct port (e.g. USB001 Virtual Printer Port)

3) Cable is defective.
John B. :
Posted 518 days ago
I just purchase a new Dell desktop , came with Windows XP Pro. I have an Panasonic Dot matrix printer, Model # KX-P2023. Will your cable work to connect the dot matrix printer to the USB port on new computer. If you do, and it will I will order tomorrow. Thanks, I need all the help I can get.
TekGems :
Posted 517 days ago
Maybe. You would need to check Add Printers section of Windows XP and see if your printer make and model is supported. The cable will work in XP, but it is not clear if your Panasonic dot matrix printer is supported.
terry :
Posted 494 days ago
I have an Epson 860 w/ Vista and I can't print - I have a new USB printer cable and the printer is loaded but when I sent a doc to the printer but now it only prints machine language
sisto :
Posted 384 days ago
I have a 64 bit vista with a hp932c. I have the drivers installed from vista, i have the printer port set to "virtual printer port for USB". A printer icon shows up in my lower toolbar, so i think the cable is working properly but i cannot print. When i print, the files get sent to the printer where the simply sit in the que. The packaging for the cable says it only supports window 95 - xp. Can this be the problem. How can i check if the usb support drivers are installed properly?
TekGems :
Posted 384 days ago
You can check in Device Manager to see if USB Virtual Printing support is listed under USB Devices. Your printer may also be "offline". You'd have to uncheck "Use Printer Offline" under File in the Printer icon to re-activate the printer.
Paul Scrivner :
Posted 384 days ago
I am using a Mac Mini with osx system, I also have a QMS Color Laser printer is the above cabel compatible with both?
Paul
ayyess :
Posted 378 days ago
I have an hp 350 printer with one of your cables and although it is set up as a virtual printer it does not print....any ideas, i have also tried it with a DOS gwbasic program and it also does not print, does it recognize printer control codes as used by gwbasic programs to control printers
Dwight Doskey :
Posted 326 days ago
I just bought the USB to Centronics 36 to hook up to an HP Laserjet 6P, but under the USB port properties, the "enable bidirectional support" box is greyed out. How can I enable bidirectional support? I forgot to add that I run Windows XP on a Toshaba Satellite notebook.
John :
Posted 323 days ago
Just got in the Centronics 36 USB cable. Have an Epson Stylus Color 800 and Vista. Followed the directions to load the drivers and the printer. Says all is there but no printer available. Tried it a couple of times but nothing happens with the printer. Did I buy something I couldn't use or doing something wrong? Thanks.
TekGems :
Posted 323 days ago
Is your printer brand and model supported in Vista OS? If not, then the printer would not appear. Either that, or the USB printer cable is defective.
John :
Posted 323 days ago
Hi TekGems, I did verify the Epson was in the OS for Vista. Here's a twist though. The model number of the Epson is P930A. When the printer is downloaded when adding a printer from the OS is calls it a Epson Stylus Color 800 ESC/P 2. When looking on the internet this and the P930A appear to be the same thing. At least from my know hole! Thanks.
Mike :
Posted 317 days ago
TekGems,
I have the same printer as John, posted 6 days ago, epson stylus 800. I have 2 computers, one XP and one vista. Has John's problem been resolved???
TekGems :
Posted 317 days ago
John & Mike -- Either the cable is defective, or Vista is not recognizing the printer correctly. Sometimes alternative models can be used to some degree to fool the operating system, but this is not always the case. I apologize but I am not familiar with the Epson brands and Vista compatibility, so your guess is good as mine.
Toni :
Posted 313 days ago
I am trying to hook a netgear ps111w print server to my epson all in one printer, the print server has a IEEE 1284 port and my printer have a usb port what can i do?
TekGems :
Posted 313 days ago
Get a print server that accepts USB. You can't use this cable for that purpose.
Rohn :
Posted 289 days ago
Have HP 1100, your usb cable w/ mini cen has always worked great. I back from Vacation turned on computer and I can't get the USB to recognize. Error: USB not recognized.One of the USB devices has malfunctioned and is not recognized..
Unknown device successfully installed.
Even when "I add" USB ports nothing and Printer stays at "error". Ideas, downloads... why all of a sudden like, it has turned on me like a pet chimpansee.
Carol :
Posted 273 days ago
I have the same problem as Rohn. It worked fine, now nothing. Says USB device has malfunctioned and is not recognized. I've added printer again, ttied to reinstall usb software again. I also have hp 1100 and vista. Love my hp1100 but may have to get printer that is compatible without usb and works with vista. Please help!
John :
Posted 240 days ago
Will this cable work with Windows 7?
TekGems :
Posted 239 days ago
Yes, this cable works fine in Windows 7. Again, please make sure that your printer make and model is supported in Windows 7. The cable detects fine, but if your printer does not, then your setup will not work.
Mike V. :
Posted 237 days ago
Will this cable work with an older Canon BJC-240 and Vista?
TekGems :
Posted 237 days ago
Sorry, I do not know. It depends if Vista supports your Canon BJC-240. We don't run Vista here so can't check the support makes and models for Vista.
Will J :
Posted 224 days ago
Have you ever heard of pluging an rc car remote into the parallel port of a computer? because I've actually done it on our desktop and I was wondering if it would work if I used this adapter?because I've heard that people have had problems doing this with an adapter? please help.
Willie Rodrigues :
Posted 217 days ago
I am running Vista on a new Dell PC, and I have this cable interface to connect to my trusty ol' LJ IIIP. On first installation, it appears to work fine, but everytime the Dell is powered down/up, the printer connection is lost. I can only get it to work if I physically unplug and re-insert the USB connection on the PC. Have you come across this scenario before ? Thanks in advance for any help/assistance/advice...
erin :
Posted 191 days ago
i have old okdata microline dot matrix, i also have old dos program. i am using laptop, windows xp, and purchased ativa usb to parallel to print. my okidata was already installed on computer and in properties i have set up usb virtual. when i try to print, my dos program says paused. and the extension on print command is lpt1.prn. my printer in control panel, says ready, so i know thats not the issue. just wish they would update this program and not use dos anymore, but for now i have no other option.... please help!!! THANK YOU
Tyrone :
Posted 177 days ago
Hi there. I have connected an HP LaserJet 1100 to my notebook using this cable but I'm getting intermittent printing problems.
- With some docs, only the first page prints (particularly PDF files, large files and images).
- Some docs only ASCII code prints
Could it be something to do with the cable as when I test the printer on a PC with a parallel port, it works 100% correctly.
Thanks
Thomas Morris :
Posted 152 days ago
Will Product Number 18031 allow an HP PSC500 to perform properly with a Toshiba laptop running Windows Vista? What about Windows 7?
Thomas Morris (865-924-2668)
Jamal :
Posted 118 days ago
I have Epson LQ-580 on XP pro SP3. When I print test page the printer prints junk and beeps. Both the cable and the printer were recognized correctly by my XP. Is there any other configuration I have to do to make it work correctly? When I connect the printer directly to LPT port it prints ok. Thanks
hal :
Posted 3 hours ago
need to connect old HP Laserjet II to my new USB port only. will it work with your cable?








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