How to Connect an Iomega Zip Drive With Parallel Interface to a USB Port on a Computer

By Tiffany Garden

Earlier models of the Iomega Zip drive used an external parallel port connection, as opposed to the later drives' USB and Firewire connections. You can convert the parallel port to an USB connection using a parallel-to-USB adapter. Several companies make this type of adapter, but all work in a similar fashion. Put the adapter on the Iomega Zip drive, then connect it to the USB port.

Step 1

Connect the parallel end of the parallel-to-USB adapter to your Iomega Zip drive.

Step 2

Plug the Iomega Zip drive into power.

Step 3

Connect the other end of the parallel-to-USB adapter in to your computer's USB port. Wait for the computer to recognize the drive as a mass storage device before attempting to access it by going to "Start" and "Computer."

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