help me print!

October 2, 2009 5:33 AM

Help me connect my old printer to my new computer

I'm trying to connect my old HP Deskjet 612C printer to my new Acer Aspire One laptop. The problem is that my computer won't accept the computer end of my printer cable. I need a cable with this at one end, and a USB connector at the other. My question in three parts: 1) Does anyone reading this have such a thing that they could give or sell me? 2) Does anyone know where I could get either a cable like this or an adapter that would do the same thing? 3) Would I have any luck actually cutting the cable and trying to splice on a USB connector, or is that just asking for trouble?
Thanks!

posted by crazylegs to computers & internet (8 comments total)

You can get port replicators that have a parrallel port and connect to the laptop/PC through usb. Belkin do one.
posted by Elmore at 5:38 AM on October 2

A Centronics (the oldconnector) to USB adapter is probably going to cost the same as a new, low end inkjet printer ($30 or so). I would just get a new printer.

Oh, and the splicing will do nothing.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:42 AM on October 2

Ok..I was wrong. Google "centronics to usb adapter". I'm seeing them in the $10 range.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:43 AM on October 2

Something like this?
posted by jon1270 at 5:48 AM on October 2

You may be able to connect it, but will you have a compatible driver (software)?
posted by RichardS at 5:57 AM on October 2

The printer's old enough that the drivers will be built-in to Windows. Those USB to Centronics adapters usually don't need drivers either. It should be pretty much plug-and-play.
posted by zsazsa at 7:13 AM on October 2

I have a 10-15 year old HP LaserJet attached to my computer using one of those converters. It works fine, and I didn't need drivers.

Note: if ever I switch USB ports it reinstalls the printer software. Also, it doesn't work so well if it hasn't been connected since the computer started up -- no connecting & disconnecting regularly. This might not be an issue for your particular printer, but if you have problems, try restarting the computer with the printer already attached.

With a desktop this hasn't really been a problem, but it might be more trouble than it's worth with a laptop.
posted by jeather at 8:14 AM on October 2

You should be OK with drivers for your 612c. But if you should find that you need to download them, they are available from HP here. (Amazingly, HP has 612c drivers for every Windows OS from 3.1 to Vista.)
posted by exphysicist345 at 8:16 PM on October 2