Can I get a cable/adapter to use a computer parallel port to a new printer without a parallel port?

You won't find a cable or adapter that will allow both computers to connect simultaneously to the printer. This is because the printers would interfere with each other's signals. That said, adapters are available, but not cheap. Again, the problem is the language that each type of connector uses is different. On top of that, chances are that the printer software would not allow you to select a serial port output on the printer knowing it does not support serial port interface. Same issue with the parallel port. You apparently are using very old computers if all you have is serial or parallel port outputs. You may be able to get a USB card to install in the computer(s) to provide you with a USB interface. This would be cheaper than attempting to get a pair of adapter cables and more likely to work better as well. Often the adapter cables don't work right and will cause slow printing. Also, you CAN get a switching box that can connect two USB computer ports to a single printer.

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

You can install a parallel port adapter on you computer.
This WEB site has parallel port adapters that suit your computer.
http://www.ieci.com.au/products/product_list.asp?class=3&basecat1=50

Since you did not provide details of your computer I cannot advise you exactly what adapter you need, but you can select or ask the supplier the correct one for your computer.

This printer has three standard ports: bi-directional parallel, USB, and ethernet (RJ-45). Most likely your previous computer had a parallel port. The simplest solution is to get a USB cable (Male type A to Male type B - 6' or less in length is recommended.) Install the software on the computer then connect the cable to the port on the back of the printer and to the computer (the square end goes to the printer and the rectangle fits the computer). The USB port is in the same area on the left side of the back of the printer as the parallel port.

Alternatively you could get a network switch and connect the printer as a networked printer. The ethernet port is near the middle of the back of the printer.

http://support.lexmark.com/index?page=recommendedDownloads&locale=EN&productCode=LEXMARK_E250D&segment=DOWNLOAD&userlocale=EN_US#1 has the software and drivers for support OS versions.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(Getting a bidirectional parallel to USB adapter is cludgy when you have a USB port available.)

Yes it is. You just need a Parallel to USB adapter. Here is a link to an example of what you need.

Parallel to USB

I have done this several times with Parallel Receipt Printers. Works Great!!

Another option would be to add a Parallel Port to your new computer. Here is another link.

PCI Parallel Card

The 1st option is probably the cheapest and easiest.

Good luck and have a great day!

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

You can almost buy a new printer for the cost of the adapter you are talking about buying. They have all kinds of adapters: the kind that connects to the flat end of a USB or the square end. Parallel, male or female. Go to a computer store like best buy, they should be able to hook you up.

Hope this helps.

There is no usb port on the printer so you don't have to use the conversion cable?

Now that is a tall order. Finding drivers for a bubble jet printer. My best bet is that you'll need to contact the manufacturer of the printer and ask them if any such updates are available.

Vista do however have a large driver database.

Here is a link. Download and try. Do hope this help.

http://www.softwaredriverdownload.com/canon_bjc_80_printer_driver_for_windows_xpvista.html

The printer will have one of two cables , either it is a USB cable , or an LPT cable

USB Cable Looks Like This:


The LPT Cable Looks Like This:


If it is the USB cable , it will connect to the back of your computer in a USB port, which looks like this:


It it is the LPT cable , it will connect to the back of your computer also: