USB interface for HP Laserjet 3100

[MSHARFMAN]

I am trying to figure out how to get my wonderful old HP Laserjet 3100 to be recognized via a USB port on a new machine.  I bought a Windows 7 computer but installed a XP virtual machine.  I have the XP driver for the 3100 installed in the virtual machine and have tried to find a USB port that will allow the machine to be recognized all to no avail.  Any suggestions. 

[pcwizard]

HI Msharfman,

Check out the following site to get a kit to enable you to print to a USB port on your computer.

http://sewelldirect.com/USB-to-Mini-Centronics-Combo-Cable-Set.asp

If you find that your new computer doesn't have a standard parallel port, this USB to Mini-Centronics (IEEE 1284-C or IEEE 1284C) combo cable set is perfect to connect these older printers to a USB only computer.

Installation is very easy and straightforward. Simply attach the USB to parallel cable to the mini-centronics adapter and plug each end to the printer and computer. If you're using Windows XP or Vista, the USB drivers install automatically. Then, you'll need to install the individual printer drivers, most of which are built into Windows XP.

Please note: These adapters will work with Multi-Function or All-In-One printers, but only for printing (in other words, they won't allow you to use the faxing or scanning functions). Also, they do not work with anything other than printers. They will not work with other parallel devices.

[MSHARFMAN]

Thanks for the post.  I have USB to parrell adapter that connects to the male 25 pin cable I used for a long time.  It has a USB connector on the other end.  The issue seems to be that the XP virtual machine simply does not recognize that the printer is attached using this adapter.  Does using the mini-centronics type adapter change this?

[pcwizard]

HI MSHARFMAN,

I would try installing the printer in Windows 7. If you run the Windows Update from Add printer you should have a driver available for the Laserjet 3100 printer.

 

[MSHARFMAN]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I had checked the website previously and it said there was no driver available in Windows 7 for this wonderful old printer.  Just to be safe, I ran windows update anyway just now and no driver for this machine is offered.  I tried to install the closest driver (Laserjet 3200) and that did not work either.  Should I bite the bullet and pay for tech support from HP?

[pcwizard · Accepted solution]

HI MSHARFMAN,

After searching a little more I see that It is not supported on Windows7. Please check this link http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/D​ocument.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c02535920

[MSHARFMAN]

Thanks for your efforts.

[pcwizard]

HI MSHARFMAN,

Your welcome that is what us techs are here to do is help. Just wish i could have had a better answer for you. Have a wonderful day.

[LawrenceL]

We have had the same problem as the previous poster.  We have an actual XP computer but it will not recognize the software for the HP Laserjet 3100 when it is plugged in probperly through a cable that had USB on the end connecting to the pc.  This computer does not have a parallel port! 

Our Windows 7 computer cannot use it at all, and our old XP computer is very slow but will not allow full sharing of the faxing or scanning features.

It would be really great if HP could offer their old and loyal customers an equivalent to this great old machine!

 The scanning and faxing interface, although only black-and-white, were superior to the HP Officejet 8500 which we also have. 

Please contact us if any upgrades, patches, or new equivalent printers are available for the current generation of printers.  They just don't make 'em like they used to!!

[pcwizard]

Hi LawrenceL,

Check out the printer at the link below which would be good replacement printers for your Laserjet 3100.

Upgrade printers