Stuck at a simple HP Printer problem

[Happy Hopping]

I'm helping out some1 at his new computer and an old HP LaserJet 4 printer.

The computer is brand new HP Workstation running XP Pro, and it doesn't have a parallel port. So we install a // to USB port cable. This is the same brand name // to USB port cable that I use called Trendnet.

After installation, the printer test page shows no problem. But after that, at the beginning of ea. set of print, it prints the 1st page:

*s1M

at the top left corner

So naturally I delete the old driver, re-install, and select "Replace existing printer driver." Same thing.

But that HP LaserJet printer has work w/ its prev. computer under XP Pro that has a // port w/o any problem.

The driver is the one selected from XP Pro embedded printer list. What else can he do to avoid the 1st page printing out that code?

HP web site no longer have this printer as a downloadable driver. So clearly only the embedded XP Pro driver is available

 

[engiNURD]

Its more likely a problem with the Parallel-to-USB adapter than with the printer driver. That printer driver has been a base driver for many printers for quite some time now -- no real updates for it.

Try turning off bi-directional support. In the printer properties >> ports tab, there should be a checkbox for bidirectional support.

 

[Happy Hopping]

Excellent idea. I'll give it a try, thank you very much