Windows 10 and parallel port (LPT) printer doesn't print

Hello!

I recently updated all my computers to Windows 10 and now I have a problem that none of my Windows 10 computers can print anymore. Before the update my computers were running Windows 7 where printing worked just fine. I have now tried many different computers, from different manufacturers, all running Windows 10, x86 and x64 versions, none works.

The printer is HP LaserJet 4300n, connected via parallel port (LPT). Since everything worked before Win10 update I must conclude that the hardware is intact and this is a problem in Windows 10, maybe something with the old LPT printer port support.

When connecting the printer, Windows recognizes the device, automatically installs drivers for it, and shows that it is connected. So everything looks good this far.

But the printer does not print. If I print something, e.g. a test page from printers settings, I can see very briefly how the file is put into the print queue, from where it disappears quickly. No print, no errors, no any messages. Also, nothing happens on the printer's LCD screen while sent to printer, and there is nothing in the printer's error log.

Answer
Answer

  Microsoft did fix their initial problem with the LPT1 legacy port, and one way that I used to get around this was to purchase an LPT to USB conversion cable from Best Buys (on-line) for about $10. The hook up is simple and you can even use the same connection to connect your printer directly to any router that has printer support.

  The alternative is to purchase an old LPT1 card but I suspect it would not work under Windows 10.

  LPT1 Legacy Printer support was a critical issue for businesses that still used legacy dot matrix printers with multi-part forms and Microsoft did come to the table to fix this.

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Last updated April 15, 2024 Views 74,301 Applies to: