Need USB cable for HP Deskjet 895Cxi for Windows 10

[GoldenTimes]

Hi...I'm a novice...and an old lady to boot  :))  ....so please be easy on me.

My much beloved Windows XP computer system just died, and I have replaced it with an Acer all in one, with Windows 10.  No idea whether 32 bit or 64 bit...WHAT is difference??

My big question is:  Can I continue to use my MOST beloved printer.....HP Deskjet 895Cxi with my new system?

I have tried to check if they are compatible, and I think they might be.  Not clear about how I get the two connected, with 'drivers', software, etc.....AND....I don't have the proper 'USB cable' to connect the two.  I had previously used the 'Parallel cable' set up.....with BIG plugins, not USB......

SO...I need to find/buy/steal/borrow an appropriate USB cable set up to physically connect the printer to the computer.  There is an available USB port on the computer.

WHERE can I get that USB set up cable;  and HOW do I do the software/driver part????????????????  Thank you.

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

 You can find if your computer is 32 bit or 64 bit as shown at the site here.  If your computer is 32 bits you will need 32 bit drivers and the total usable memory will be limited to 4Gb or less.  

The cable you need is a standard USB 2.0 A/B cable, something like the following:

The cable can be found anywhere computers or printers are sold.  You do not need a fancy gold plated one. The HP cable is here.  

There are cables that convert USB to a parallel port.  You do not want one of these, they are more expensive and require drivers of their own.  The Deskjet 895 does have a USB port, it is somewhat hidden next to the parallel port.

As for drivers, they are supplied with Windows 10 through Windows Update.  You should be able to just plug the USB cable into the printer and have the system automatically find the proper driver and install it.  

[GoldenTimes]

Follow up question for Bob Headrick...........Firstly THANK YOU for GREAT FAST reply!!!!!!!!!

I have Windows 10 Home,and system type  64-bit.

So...from reading your excellent comprehensive reply, what I now need to do is:

1) Buy a Standard USB 2.0A/B cable

2) Plug cable into printer and computer

3)  Plug printer into electrical socket  (computer is already up and running

4)  Go to Windows Update, and click on 'Add Printer'....and basically follow instructions

5)  Cross fingers and press print...and wait for printer to fire up and print!!!!!!!!!!

[Bob_Headrick]

Actually a bit different than the above.  I would plug the printer in the the electrical socket and turn it on before plugging the USB cable into the computer.  When you plug the cable into the printer the computer should recognize the printer and automatically install the driver.  So the following is the optimum:

1. Buy a standard USB 2.0 A/B cable.
2. Plug printer into an electrical socket and turn it on.
3. Plug the USB cable into the printer
4. Plug the USB cable into a USB 2.0 port* on the PC.  At this point the computer should automatically detect the printer and install the driver.  You can find the printer is installed by pressing the windows key (which will bring up the start menu), the type "devices and printers" without the quotes.  Click on Devices and Printers  which will bring up the Devices and Printers folder.  Right click on the HP Deskjet 895 and select Set as Default.
5. Print.

*USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible with 2.0 in theory, but I have seen cases where printers did not work when connected to USB 3.0 ports.  If your new PC has a USB 2.0 port pick that.

If something does not work in the above post back here in the forum.  It may help to download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor from http://www.hp.com/go/tools.  

[GoldenTimes]

Thank you So much again, Bob, for taking the time to answer to me.  I do have several questions.

1)  Buying the cable might be the biggest obstacle.  I used the link you provided to HP cable, but it's for US HP shop, though it does have the standard cable I need for $3.99!!!  When I switch to the HP Canada store, they don't even have any cables listed/available.  I then checked Staples Canada, and they have the right cable for about $40!!!! plus 13% tax, which I could use to buy a new cheap printer. 🙂  I tried Amazon.ca but they don't seem to have the 'standard' cable, it's mostly 'micro' ones for smartphones, etc.  SO...how/where do I find that standard cable?  BTW  I live in Collingwood, ON, not in BIG city like Toronto which has lots of options.  I will go Saturday into my local Staples to see if they have a cheaper standard cable in the store, rather than $40 one.

2)What/where is 'windows key' I am supposed to press for start menu???  And what/where is 'start menu'?

FYI:  I got this new computer yesterday, Feb. 7th, and I moved from an XP to Windows 10.....so....I'm not familiar with Windows 10 at ALL.  I really really really want/need a hard copy manual for it, but I've been told it doesn't exist.  Is that true???

Bob...again my thanks.  You have been amazing to an old lady!!!   mt

[GoldenTimes]

Last comment......just wanted to let Bob know that I have found the right cable (I think) to hook up my Deskjet 895Cxi to my new all in one computer with Windows 10.  But too scared to try. 🙂    Will do it in a few days; working up the courage.  Scared I'll mess up the new computer.

The other questions I have about 'Windows key' and 'start menu' I will take to the techies at Staples where I bought the computer.  Though they are the ones that didn't bother to find out whether my old printer was compatible with the new computer, and left me with the impression that it was NOT....guess it was too much work, and it required the special USB cable.     Thanks again.  mt

[Bob_Headrick]

Sorry I missed your response yesterday.  The cable for $40 is not reasonable.  Here are a couple choices on Amazon.ca:

https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-6-Feet-Certified-Cable-USB2HAB6/dp/B000067SPP/ref=sr_1_5

https://www.amazon.ca/480Mbps-Printer-Scanner-Lexmark-Samsung/dp/B00P0FO1P0/ref=sr_1_12 

I would not recommend a cable longer than 10'.

There is really nothing to worry about as for hooking things up, you really cannot damage anything assuming you plug the cables into the right slots.

It is true these days that printed user manuals are rare or nonexistant.  What is your computer model?  There are probably manuals you can download.

The Windows key is an extra key on the keyboard, it is typically on the lower left of the keyboard next to the Ctrl and Alt keys.  You can press this to bring up the menu, or click on the small windows pane icon in the lower left of the screen (assuming you are in Desktop mode).  When you presss the button or click the icon it will bring up the menu.

[GoldenTimes]

Thanks, Bob. 

Have to say again....YOU ARE AMAZING AWESOME AND MORE!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks....have found the Windows key!!!!  Making new discoveries every day.  🙂

Thanks for the two links re the USB cable.  I have one now, but the links are helpful.

The computer I bought is the Acer Aspire Z3-705-ES61.   I could use instruction just on the keyboard...ie. those blue letters on some keys...how do you use those??  And WHAT do they do??  And I got some basic instruction on the mouse with the wheel in the middle, etc....but I guess I could read up on that also.

Guess I could google my computer model and see what info there is; and do some YouTube tutorials on Windows 10?  That was suggestion by Staples techie who delivered the computer.

Bottom line........THANK YOU.  I'll let you know if/when I get the printer hooked up to the computer.  :))  I'll probably have more issues???  Hope not.  mt

[Bob_Headrick]

The user manual is available here.  It mentions a Startup guide and Quick guide, these may have been included in hardcopy format.

They do not have any information on the keyboard in the user manual.

It does mention there are three USB 2.0 ports with black inserts, you will want to use one of these for the printer.  The two blue USB ports are USB 3.0.

[GoldenTimes]

OMG....I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited and HAPPY.   I finally worked up the courage to plug in my OLD printer (bought in 1999!) to my new computer w/Windows 10, using an USB cable.....and the printer WORKS!!!!!!!!!  I am in shock and awe.  An 18 year old printer, the best ever made 🙂 and it is still going strong.

Bob....again...I say THANK YOU so so so much.  You helped me make it happen, just as I was about to throw this much beloved work horse of a printer away!   I am so thankful.

Just one more question (sorry).    Windows 10 has recognized the printer as:  HP Deskjet 895 Cse, rather than a 'Cxi'.  Is that a problem??  I was not asked to chose a printer....it all got done without me doing anything except plugging in the usb cable between printer and computer.   Should I go in and try to change this, or leave well enough alone????????