Is a HP 670C parallel printer compatible with Windows 98?

Question

My Compaq Presario 5000 Desktop just does not accept HP 670C paraller printer.

I have been told that it is a known issue that the machines having Win98 OS do not accept parallel printers. So is there a cure for this or I have to buy a new USB printer.

Please note that my HP 670C is working fine on my other machines and HP 5550 (USB Port) is wrking fine with this Compaq Machine.

Please help !!

Answer

This question was answered on November 23, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

It should'nt be a problem having a parallel printer with Windows 98 operating system. Since it is not a USB connection, did you try installing it manually? If you're not sure follow the instructions:

Always ensure your PC is switched "OFF" when connecting a printer to your parallel port. When the machine is off connect the printer to the parallel port, then switch on the printer and then the PC.

If your PC doesn't recognize the printer, then click on "START", then "SETTINGS", and then click on printers.

Now double click on the "ADD PRINTER" icon.

You will be presented with a screen telling you to click "NEXT" to continue installing a new printer, click the "NEXT" button.

If you have the Disk/CD that came with your printer then click "HAVE DISK". If you don't have a driver disk/CD for your printer then see if the printer is listed among those printers available. If you have any problems refer to your printer's instructions.

If you have the disk/CD, after you have clicked on "HAVE DISK" you will be presented with a screen asking you to locate the Disk/CD. Insert the Disk or CD into a drive and then select the drive from the pull down menu. Refer to your printer documentation for details of where to find the correct driver for your printer, it would normally be in a folder called Win98 or similar.

Next you are asked which port you would like to install the printer. Since it is a parallel printer, choose LPT1. After selecting click "NEXT".

Now you get an option to rename the printer and/or select it as the default printer for Windows 98 based programs. Unless you have a reason to change the name then you can leave it as it is, making the printer the default.

Once you have finished click on the "NEXT" button.

Now you will see a dialogue box asking you whether you want to perform a test print. It is advisable to print a test page to make sure everything is ok.

Author

Posted by Henry of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on November 23, 2004