Lexmark printer and my laptop

@aconner (218)
United States
November 24, 2009 3:45pm CST
I am going to get an older lexmark printer today. I'm wondering if it will be compatible with a newer model dell lap top. Will I need to get a special cord?
2 people like this
3 responses
• United Kingdom
24 Nov 09
Hi aconner, I'm thinking that if you get a really old lexmark printer then it may have the original parallel port connector which is quite common with old printers. As you have a newer model laptop then it's likely that you won't have the parallel port. You can however purchase an adapter. You will be able to connect the printer to your laptop via a usb port. You need to purchase a parallel to usb port connector and they are relatively cheap. You plug this adapter into your usb port on your laptop and then you plug the printer cable with it's parrallel connector into the adapter. If you are trying to connect an old printer to a new laptop then you need to make sure that it's compatible with your operating system. Which operating system are you using? What you can do is go to the manufacturer website of the printer i.e. Lexmark and see if they have any driver updates that you can download that will enable the printer to work with your laptop. I had this problem. I had an old lexmark printer and I was using it on windows xp home edition. However, it was quite old and I was unable to use it with my follow up system which had windows vista on it. Anyway, good luck with your situation and I hope that you are able to resolve your situation. Andrew
1 person likes this
@aconner (218)
• United States
26 Nov 09
Luckily the printer came with a USB cable and I was able to hook it straight to the laptop. I did have to visit the Lexmark website for the software to the printer as I wasn't able to get the CD with the software. It works great. Thanks for all your help!
@benhilo (871)
• Tripoli, Libya
25 Nov 09
It should. I have 3 different Lexmark printers, two of them are fax printer scanners. They all work with my computers. The port connections should be compatible.
1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
25 Nov 09
aconner, First of all, you may need to find out if the driver of your choice lexmark printer could be used with your laptop's operating system. Check with your printer dealer, I am sure they would be clearer. If not, you may be recommended a more compatible model. Take care.