Connecting an old printer

I have an old laser printer that I want to connect to my eMac thru the ethernet port, but the printer has only a printer port (the symbol is the two side-by-side arrows, one facing left, the other right). What is the cheapest type of adapter I can get for this printer? I only need to connect one Mac.

It think that is the old symbol for the Apple Serial port, an RS-485 standard vs. the old RS-232 standard. If that is the case, to connect to the eMac would require a bit of manipulation such as first getting an RS-485 to RS-232 adapter then getting a Serial to USB adapter and then plugging it into your eMac's USB port. Then you have to hope the proper drivers will work with OS X and the Serial to USB adapter, etc.
Considering that Laser printers are pretty cheap now, at least the black and white ones which I assume this old one is, you are probably better off getting rid of the printer and getting something more modern and compatible.
Alternative, you could get an old Mac and hook the printer to that and then network it with your eMac as some sort of print server. But again, I think that may be a lot of effort and maybe cost just to try and reuse an old laser printer.
Patrick

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Delete old printer drivers

I have a laptop running windows 8.1. I had tried to connect an old printer to the laptop, but have been unsuccessful.
Although I have deleted the printers from devices and printers, all the copies of the printer show up in word, excel etc when I try to print a document.
I can see them in print server properties, but it won't let me delete them as it says they are in use.
I have stopped the print spooler but this makes no difference.
Can anyone help me please?

Check if the printer is set to default, if yes then remove it. Or goto safe mode and remove it.
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New mac + new hp printer won't sync up w/usb...yet old printer connects

about 2 months ago i got a new imac and a new hp printer and when i hooked it up with my usb from my old hp printer it wouldn't connect (the mac wasn't reading that anything was connected) so i called hp and they tried to do what they could, but came to the conclusion that there was something wrong with that printer, so i brought it back and they gave me a new one. same problem. i connect it via usb and nothing all the while my old printer works perfectly. any thoughts?
Message was edited by: Jeremiah Pasternak

when i hooked it up with my usb from my old hp printer
Not sure what you mean: You didn't connect it directly to a USB port, you daisy chained it to the old printer? Or you mean you used the cable from the old printer?
I assume since you contacted HP, that you have the proper Driver/Software installed and they probably walked you through uninstalling/reinstalling. BTW, from my experience, HP printer tech support isn't all that wonderful and I wouldn't necessarily trust that they gave you the best advice.
What comes to mind is there was an HP printer update for Snow Leopard in Software Update, at least for my inkjet, which I'd been neglecting for ages. But when I finally installed it, it cleared up a number of issues. But, before updating, I was at least able to print and the printer was seen. Anyway, have a look in Software Update. I looked around the HP site for a standalone update and couldn't find anything.
If you give me the model I can probably find the most current software for it on the HP site.

How do I make my old printer wireless?

Hi -- I know there must be a solution for what I am trying to do, please help! I have an old HP 4700n Color Laserjet printer. Here is the situation: the printer is in one room; my computer and wireless internet modem are in another room. Does a router or other networking device exist that I can connect to the printer via USB cable, that does not have to be wired to the modem in the other room? I bought a Belkin N600 Wi-Fi Dual-Band router, thinking it would allow me to do this, but unless I am misunderstanding the setup, it seems that I have to keep it connected to my modem -- which defeats the purpose. As a last resort, I will buy a long USB cable (the ethernet port on the printer doesn't work anymore, but I have tested the USB and it works) and just connect my computer directly to the printer, but I would like to avoid that, if possible. Thank you, in advance for any help that you can give me.

Hi,
There are many router with built-in print server (thru USB port). Long USB cable won't work, it has a limit. Given you aready have a router you can buy an USB wireless print server such as one of the following device:
http://www.dlink.com.au/products/?pid=777
Regards.
BH
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How do I get my old printer "HP Laserjet 4mv" to work on my newer Macs with OSX?

How do I get my old printer "HP Laserjet 4mv" to work on my newer Macs with OSX?
There is no HP support for this old printer. I have tried to connect via ethernet (thru ethernet router), and it does not show up in printer preferences. The printer worked fine on system 9x but when I went to my new macs with system X no luck. This is a great B&W printer that prints at 18 x 24". I would like to keep it and not junk it, but its been sitting on my desk unused for some time now. Any thoughts or JUNK IT! Thanks, R.T.

Does anyone at Apple have help for this sort of question - I too have an old printer (HP LaserJet 5MP) that I would like to keep using on my Mac. (Mac OSX 10.6.8).
I got it working by getting a USB cord that connects to it - but every once in a while it just stops working for weeks. The mac 'sees' it and it sends the data because the printer lights start blinking but then it just doesn't do anything. Is there no one who can tell me (and raterada) how to get some new life into these old printers. I would rather not add this (and a new toner cart) to the landfill just yet. . .

HP Device Toolbox software Error Unable to connect to the printer

Hi guys,
I'm currently in bit of a nightmare with my HP Laserjet 100 color MFP M175nw.
Basically I have upgraded to a new wireless router and since doing this my HP Laser Jet refuses to work / connect to the wireless network.
I have literally tried just about evey thing I can to get it to work, thoroughly through the manual, uninstalled and reinstalled the software about 12 times, tried firewalls on and off, tried security on the router on and off, tried WPS mode, tried manually entering in the IP address into the printer all without luck. You can see my dedicated thread here
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Networking-and-Wireless/HP-LaserJet-Pro-100-color-MFP-M175nw-un...
So currently I have the printer connect to the computer via USB and it works, so I decided to try using the HP Device toolbox software to see if it would give me any more options to try and when I run this software I get
Error: Unable to connect to the printer, make sure your printer is properly connected and powered on and then try to open the HP device toolbox again. Arg!!!
My new router is a Billion 7800DXL, my old router which worked in wireless mode was also a Billion 7300g.
Any help would be great really stuck here

Hello tf22raptor.
I see that you're now experiencing an issue getting the Device Tool box to run. I will try and assist with this.
After reviewing this post and the other thread, I have a few things you can try.
1) Run MS Fix it utility to uninstall the software: Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled.
(This is to make sure the software is completely removed and conflicts in the registry get resolved)
2)Msconfig: press windows key and R on the keyboard> in run box type "msconfig"> on window select "services tab"> check box next to "hide all MS services> press disable all> go to "startup" tab> press disable all> press apply and ok at the bottom> this should prompt a PC restart.
Please restart.
3) Re-install via USB
4) Try running the device toolbox now
5)If still having issues installing wireless, you may have to contact the router manufacture.
I hope this helps you out. Thanks for posting on the HP Forums.
I worked on behalf of HP.

HP Officejet Pro 276dw MFP - can't connect with the printer driver (but web browser works)

Hi,
I used to own an 8500 pro which got replaced by the 276dw due to HW malfunctioning of the old model. I installed the driver (full set, win 8.1 64 bit) from the HP download area over the installed printer. I can access the printer using it's IP address. Ipad Airprint works well. The only problem is that I can't get the printer driver to connect to the printer, but the printer driver displays the printer with the correct address. Print and Scan doctor detects incomplete install and download 184MB, one bit at a time ... it will take more than an hour.
I believe - due to a message that something needs to be stopped during the install (in order to get rid of the SW for the old printer) - that this thing is stil stopped, and I need to restart that (or if it is a service I need to reset it to automatic start).
Any idea anyone?
Thanks and with best regards,
Holger

update: The Print and Scan doctor did not help, but I finally added the printer using the default windows method. So I can print, but scan to PC obviously doesn't work, and neither does the Fax printer. Help still appreciated.

Trying to Connect Wireless Epson Printer with Time Capsule

Greetings. I am a regular Mac user and using Mac for several years now. However, I am a new to network administration. I have a Linksys wireless router that syncs our 5 Macs (one iPad-1 iMac and three MacBook Pros), plus 4 Windows PC's we have in our network. I recently decided to purchase a Time Machine, and further our use of Apple technology in wireless devices. I want to back up all my computer's files to Time Machine and use the Airport Extreme functions of Time Machine while discontinuing the use of my LinkSys router. However, I can't get my Epson WorkForce 600 to wirelessly connect to Time Capsule in order to use the scanner & fax functions. Connecting the printer by USB enables the printer function, but disables all other functions of the printer (fax-scan, etc.).
I tried downloading new Epson drivers and couldn't get some of them to install. This time My iMac wouldn't install the .dmg files. I tried opening the .dmg file and installing. The pop up box requiring my administrator password, kept flashing when I tried to enter my password. Since I couldn't get the .dmg files to install, my plan to update Epson driver's didn't work. Question #1: I am looking for advice how to install these weird disk image files ?
I turned off my Time Capsule, re-connected the LinkSys to the cable modem and all my wireless functions work again, especially my printer. Sadly, no Time Capsule.
I read another discussion suggestion connecting both wireless devices together. I assume since I want to use Time Capsule that I set it up with the modem and connect the other router to it via one of the four ethernet connections. I didn't want to try this until I received further advice. I am hoping I can connect my LinkSys router to Time Capsule and use the printer through the LinkSys connection with all other computers on my network.
Question #2: How can I get my Time Capsule to find the Epson so I can use it again, or should I just use the LinkSys router connected to the printer?
Thank you in advance for help.

This sounds as if you are trying to use instructions that are more than 2 years old at this point, but you are using a new version of AirPort Utility Utility in Lion or Mountain Lion....which would not track or apply to the older instructions.
Can you confirm what operating system that you are using on the Mac that is being used to configure devices?
The new AirPort Express will connect directly to the Time Capsule using an Ethernet connection, correct?

How connect lexmark t630 printer to hp dv7-2185dx usb

need setup instructions connect Lexmark t630 printer (old/wired) to HP laptop USB, tried , get error

You will need a USB to Parallel converter cable. Make sure the cable you use is supported by your intended operating system. I have heard good results using Belkin cables.
Note that for 64 bit versions of Vista or Windows 7 you will need a patch for the Deskjet 712c available here.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
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Purchasing new HP Photosmart printer which will require new OS X Mountain Lion driver software. Which steps do I take to install new printer, old printer HP still on iMac.

Purchasing new HP Photosmart printer which will require new OS X Mountain Lion driver, which installation steps do I take. Old printer still on iMac.

Hi Carol 22,
Thanks for the post. Depending upon the printer model, print drivers may be available from ASU. If not, then go to hp.com and download Mt. Lion drivers to your iMac. After you complete the hardware setup of the printer, if connecting wireless, then connect the printer to your network and then complete the installation and add the printer. Then you can go back and remove your old printer. I hope this helps...Good Luck!
I work for HP but my posts and replies are my own....Thank you!

HP office jet 4620 has good wi-fi connection but, cannot print directly .via my computer?

I have spent 2 full days trying to print from my computer (also wi-fi enabled) through to my HP Officejet 4620.
I have had splendid downloads from HP trying to sort the problem but no luck so far.
I have windows Vista and my computer is a faithful old Toshiba Satelite L300 and, I have not connected to a printer before on this computer. To enable the printer to engage with my wi-fi rovider was easy and successful. It prints test papers great.
Any help would be so appreciated.
moneypenny

Hello missmoneypenny,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums!
I see that you are unable to print over a wireless network with the Officejet 4620 with a Windows Vista computer. When you try to print, what happens? Is there an error, is the printer not found, does the software not install, etc?
Have you tried the Print and Scan Dr, if not, run it and let me know the results.
Regards,
JERENDS
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
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Unable to Connect Wirelessly to Printer

Hi all.
Since I had my BT Infinity installed I am unable to connect to my printer Wirelessly like I had previous. I have an Epson SX600FW Inkjet All-in-One Printer. I have the BT Homehub 2.0. How do you configure this hub/router for the Wireless Printer? I cannot see any way of doing this?
Out of desperation, I have even tried to attach my old Router to the Homehub (even replace the BT Hub with it) but got nothing at all. Not even internet connection!
Can anyone help?
BT Infinity (Option 2/Unlimited) - BT Telephone (Unlimited 24/7 calls) - BT Vision (The Whole Lot! inc Sky Sports & ESPN)
Solved!
Go to Solution.

rdec1945 wrote:
Infinity installed yesterday. Works perfectly both with laptop and Wi Fi Blue Ray DVD but will not work with printer which is an Epson Stylus SX425W. I have set up printer ok to run on Wi Fi but it will not print and I keep getting error messages. Spoken to Epson who have been thro the set up, confirmed that all is ok and asked me to print a status check. This says that network is working correctly but "A router/access point channel conflict has been detected". According to Epson, the solution is for the BT Hub to be configured so that it allows any Epson product through it's firewalls, and for MAC address filtering to be turned off. This is out of my league - is there anyone out there who recognises this issue and can help?
Hi rdec1945
I dont use that printer but the epson PX710W.
Have you used the printers on screen menu.
Setup
OK
Network Settings
OK
Wireless setup wizard or even Advanced setup and then WPS Wireless LAN setup, where you use the WPS button on the side of the HH3.
Setting up mine did not involve opening any thing in the firewall or doing anything with MAC address filtering.
[edit] have a look at this post from geaves, again not the same printer but suggests setting it up with ethernet first, I think its post 6.
http://community.bt.com/t5/Other-BB-Queries/Cant-get-wireless-printer-working-with-Home-Hub-3/m-p/29...
toekneem
http://www.no2nuisancecalls.net
(EASBF)

Can't connect to wireless printer

I cannot connect a wireless printer...I have tried 2 printers. HP photosmart 6510 and Epson SX535WD....the wireless strength appears to be good on the printer but the MAC can't see it and neither can the iPhone or the iPad....Sooooo frustrating. Have brought back printers to shop as thought they were faulty...They immediately signed in to their own wifi and printed no prob from iPhone....spoke to my broadband provider. They suggested might be interference from cordless phone, so switched that off....no success, then they said something about changing the WPA to WEP....this is becoming way too complicated for something that I thought was going to be plug in and go....Should I just give up and buy an old fashioned USB type....will I ever be able to print from the iPhone or iPad as well....HELP!!

My mother has been using an iPad. She wanted a printer. The media would think you just buy an AirPrint printer and you're good to go. I bought an HP PhotoSmart 6510. It connects to the wireless signal at my mother's home, but the iPad doesn't recognize that an AirPrint printer is available. Cisco (router) recommended disabling SSID, more or less. I disabled the "SSID broadcast" under guest access (I think I went further with the tech attempts than most other people) using the Cisco software (and rebooted the router, I think), but still no go. The iPad still doesn't recognize the presence of an AirPrint printer. Very frustrating. IF the iPad had a USB port we could go back to the era of cables and print that way, but that's obviously not a solution. Feel mislead. Under the current circumstances most people are going to be frustrated and mislead by the media hype that says, "You can print wirelessly from you iPad, especially if you get an AirPrint computer." Things are going to have to get much simpler for widespread acceptance of that notion. Most of us don't have hours to spend trying to sort out tech issues on our computers. Frustrating!

Can't connect HP 5500n printer via ethernet

I've a Snow Airport and an ethernet cabled HP5500n printer. However, I can't get the printer to be seen either through the base station or plugged directly into the Mac's ethernet port.
I've printed a configuration page. However, there is no IP address stated so I can't even try that.
This is an old printer that used to be linked into the network at work, which used a different kind of router.
Any ideas?
Thanks

1. Make sure that the Ethernet cable connections are secure and that the cable from the printer is plugged into the Snow's LAN port, not its WAN port.
2. Make sure that the Snow is configured to distribute IP addresses, in the Network tab of AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow. (If the Snow had been acting as a bridge instead of distributing IP addresses, and if your computer had been connecting to the Internet using PPPoE, you'll need to set up the Snow, instead of the computer, to connect using PPPoE. To do so, add the PPPoE settings such as username and password in the Internet tab of AirPort Admin Utility, and disable PPPoE in the computer's Network system preferences.)
3. Make sure that the latest version of the printer driver is installed on the computer. On HP's Web site , there is a driver for Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.5 dated 28 Jan 2008.
4. In the Print dialog window, after you choose "Add Printer", if the printer doesn't show up after a little while, click on "More Printers..." and then select "HP IP Printing" in the top menu. Hopefully, the printer will show up in the "Auto" tab after a few seconds.

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