WIndows 7 x64, USB-Parallel Cable and HP Laserjet 6P Printing Issue

[Stephen @ ZennHAUS]

I have a new PC running Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) and an HP LaserJet 6P. The
HP website says there are drivers for Windows 7 (x64) available through
Windows Update. However, there drivers available there are for x86, AMD64
and IA64; all of which generate an error saying:

"The folder you specified doesn't contain a compatible software driver for
your device. If the folder contains a driver, make sure it is designed to
work with Windows for x64 based systems."

I have not been able to find the appropriate drivers for x64 based systems.

Windows will not automatically detect the printer because the motherboard (a
Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2H) does not have a parallel port and so I have connected
a USB-Parallel cable (UE-PA15CC). Windows detects and installs a driver for
the cable, listing it as USB Printing Support in the Devices and Printers
Control Panel. It also adds two USB Printing Support Ports.

So, I guess the main thing here is does anyone know if I can get an HP
LaserJet 6P driver for Windows 7 x64 and if so, where?

The rest of the issue may sort itself out from there but if you have any
more tips, I would be greatful.

[Andrew Rossmann]

Does the printer model show up when you use Add Printers and go through
the manufacturer and model list? Also, it is a PCL printer, and some
older or other models should generally work.

It could even help to use an add-on parallel port card instead of the
USB converter.

[Vern]

Hi,
I moved to Macs a few months ago and had the same problem with my HP Laserjet 4L.
After solving it, I wrote the memo below to help a friend in Germany; hope it helps you too!


How to connect an old Printer that has only a parallel port output
to the latest iMac.



The parallel port on the printer can either be a 25-pin D-shaped connector or a 36-pin Centronics style connector.

The iMac’s output is the USB port.

Typical printer would be the HP LaserJet 4L. With compatible toner cartridges available from £30 and using cheap paper (Tesco!), page costs of less than 1p are achievable.


Solution:

Purchase an adapter, e.g. Maplin’s A94BF USB to 25-pin Parallel Adapter, at around £15.
Google for and download the 180kb file ''usbtb-1.0.17.uni.dmg''

1. Connect the printer via the adapter with the iMac.

2. Add new printer in the Printer and Fax menu, selecting the driver from the drop-down list (i.e. HP LaserJet 4L – Gutenprint v.5.2.3)

3. Install the USBTB software. When the list of the USBTB’s drivers opens, only select a driver from it if one is shown for your printer. Otherwise ‘Cancel’ that operation. The previously installed Apple driver will be ok.


Start printing!