I just purchased a laptop with XP Home. I have an HP Laserjet 6L which does not have a USB connection. So I installed a "USB to IEEE 1284 Parallel Printer Cable." The computer found the printer, but it will not print. I went through the troubleshooting routine, with no success. I think I have done everything properly. Any suggestions? Thanks. Roy

Not sure what the question is. IEEE 1284 is a parallel cable interface, standard on most computers up until Windows XP for sure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_1284. This interface was substantially replaced by USB. If you have an older printer with this interface you can still connect this to a newer computer without the parallel interface by installing an interface card (into a desktop computer) or connecting via a Parallel to USB adapter.
http://www.pcfixup.ca/2010/03/connecting-parallel-port-printers-to.html

hELLO IDEAL58ST,

While printing from the USB Port sometimes slow printout/data transfer will result in slow printing of print jobs. SOLUTION: Solution After the printer is installed on the USB Port, check the description under the Ports Tab what is selected. Please refer to the figure below : Using the USB/ Virtual Printer Port and DOT4/ HP Laserjet 2420, under the Port/Description Tab printer speed will be as per the standard. Whereas using the DOT4/ Generic IEEE 1284 under Port/Description Tab, Printer speed will be very slow. If DOT4/ Generic IEEE 1284 is selected by default, then you have to uninstall the USB driver from the Device manager and plug in the USB cable again. Then it will detect the printer and USB port with respect to the printer model.

THANKS.

Yes, there is an adapter. For example, see:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/USB-Parallel-IEEE-1284-DB25-25-pin-adapter-cable-A90-/290434067746?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item439f382d22

for such an item.

Here is your network guide for the 5200n printer
If you do not have the 5200n printer, it is not network. You will need a 'print server' ($100 approx). Get USB or Parallel, depending on the connection it uses.

According to the specs this printer uses IEEE 1284 connection which is infrared. So you would have to have an infrared receiver/transceiver on your laptop or purchase and install one. In other words this printer does not connect directly to your USB port or your Paralell Port.

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-pin-USB-to-Parallel-IEEE-1284-Printer-Adapter-Cable_W0QQitemZ260470664191QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca542ebff

You have installed the software and driver? for you version of the computer OS? 
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=25475&submit.y=3&submit.x=10〈=en&cc=us

Try changing the LPT port mode in the BIOS- there should be like SPP, EPP, ECP. As I recall there are different drivers for USB and Parallel and I don't think Serial is supported. If you installed HP drivers, Uninstall and use the Windows drivers.

The cable you need to connect to your pc is a regular parallel cable. It is called, IEEE 1284 Bi-directional Parallel Cable.
If you intend to use the a USB port this is what you need; USB to DB-25. The printer connection of the cable is the same the only diffrence here is the USB female adapter for the pc.

Use any printer parallel 25pin convertor to USB cable and connect it to pc or notebook
Connect both ends from pc to 6L printer
Go to website to choose the correct O/S driver for installation
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DriverDownload.jsp?prodNameId=14974&lang=en&cc=us&taskId=135&prodClassId=-1&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=25476
Use virtual USB port005 for printer 6L
Bi-directional option can be ticked
Click apply and ok
Unplug and replug the USB cable
Try printing a test page,

I have tried it, the vista download drivers works on vista, no problems in printing at all, advise from http://www.bebo.com/andythoo