Buy a new printer ?
Seriously, I only see two *possible* solutions:
> Go to the printer manufacturers' website, and see if they have Windows XP drivers for your printer. Use those.
*** #2: BIOS SETTINGS FOR THE PARELLEL PORT: Do they match what the printer needs ?
You say you have a "NEW Windows XP system" so by default the BIOS settings are set for CURRENT HARDWARE, which may not work with the antique.
> So, does the new computer / meaning late 2001 new, work with an old parellel port printer ? ( maybe if you make some changes to match protocals)
Does the printer need SPP and it's on EPP 1.7 (or EPP 1.9) ???
Can you change the BIOS settings to BI-Directional, or NORMAL and have it function properly ?
It isn't about the data transfer rate, but the way it's being sent. It's a parellel port, and those are SLOW,,,,,,
Find out, by reading the printer manual, what the settings should be. If you don't have the manual, go online to the manufacturers website and download it to find out what you need to know (or look at the OLD computer's settings).
If these don't, (and you can't get any advice that works) it's new printer time.