Hello Guest,

There is probably nothing wrong with the actual cable.

You are probably using Windows as Operating System in your PC.

Advise which version: 2000, 2000Pro, XP Home, XPPro, or whatever.

Almost certainly what has happened, is you have auto-downloaded a recent Windows Update, and that will probably have caused the problem.

You could thus contact Microsoft at: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Advise them of your problem, they are normally willing to assist, providing your Operating system is a Validly activated version.

Also contact HP, because a recent Windows Update could have required them to release a new Driver for your setup.

I currently have 3 Security Utilities and a TV card Program which have failed, due to a recent Windows Security Update, and I have contacted each Utility Vendor by Email to advise them - Awaiting their replies.

Advise your progress, with

Kind Regards....

Using Windows XP

I will have to keep track when it happens and if there was a recent patch/update. Others in the family use the system, I usually first hear about the inability to print when my wife needs something critical for work!! Then I need to instruct her on how to print on the OTHER printer connected to the system! :-)

have you contacted HP direct ???? I have found their drivers and service great.

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The direction I went, was seeing as we have a Intranet, we got a "HP JetDirect" from eBay, this sits on the ethernet network and sends your printouts to a parallel capable printer, I use it for the Large format HP plotter.

You might try using a stand-alone parallel port print server. You can now get them for under $100.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=443250&Sku=T156-1074&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=TBBTkwCjCVyBpAgf%20mwzygtCjCVRqCjCVRq

If you have an old PC with a parallel port, you could set that up as a print server to see if your network printing setup works OK before you make the big plunge.

Unfortunately, not all of those interface adapters work as advertised. Good luck.

I have similar problems with a USB to parallel cable that I use with an HP 4L with Windows XP Pro.

What seems to work is: for the first time printing after each boot, look in the Printers and Faxes list for entries which are not grayed out, they show status "Ready" instead of "OffLine". Typically there are only one or two. Pick one and try printing to it. If it doesn't work, keep trying until one works, then set that as default printer, which works for the rest of the session. If none of the Ready printers works, run Add New Printer, though I haven't had to do that in months. It's up to "HP LaserJet 4L (Copy 9)", but normally copies 1 - 3 are the ones that work.

It takes more time to describe than to do. Although it's inelegant it's fairly fast, and I've spent too much time trying to find a better solution.

HTH -

1) Did you buy a Laptop? If the answer is no, then go and buy a proper plug in card of the correct PCI type.

2) If the answer was yes, does your Laptop have PCMCIA slots? if yes, go and buy a good PCMCIA card with a LPT1: connection.

If the answer to 2) was no, then go and buy a new printer. A good USB printer (read the test reports first) is really quite cheap, so stop mucking about and invest $100 or less.....

....or buy a network printer, or a network adapter for your present printer (then everyone in the house can use it!) if you have a small private network at home.....

ok the best way is to look at the docking station for a laptop targus has them and they work well no issues