- A
Install a USB-to-parallel adapter
Why wrong: While this could work, it bypasses the built-in LPT header and may have driver or compatibility issues.
- B
Use a PCIe parallel port expansion card
Why wrong: This is a valid solution but more expensive and unnecessary since the motherboard already has the header.
- C
Purchase an LPT bracket that connects to the motherboard header
This bracket provides the physical port using the motherboard's built-in parallel port header, which is the most direct and cost-effective solution.
- D
Solder wires directly to the motherboard's LPT header pins
Why wrong: Soldering is risky, non-standard, and could damage the motherboard; a bracket is the proper method.
Question 758 of 1,020
How to Add a Parallel Port When Motherboard Has LPT Header
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with connecting a legacy parallel port printer to a modern motherboard that lacks a parallel port header. The motherboard has an LPT header (25-pin) but it is not populated with a bracket. What is the best way to add a parallel port?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to purchase an LPT bracket that connects directly to the motherboard header. This works because the LPT header on the motherboard already contains the necessary parallel port signals, so adding a bracket with a ribbon cable simply provides the physical DB-25 connector without requiring any additional controller hardware. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of legacy connectivity and motherboard headers, often appearing as a distractor where candidates might mistakenly choose a PCIe card or USB adapter. A common trap is assuming the header is useless without a pre-installed bracket, but the header is designed to support an add-on bracket. Remember the memory tip: “Header means ready—just bracket the legacy.”
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Purchase an LPT bracket that connects to the motherboard header
The LPT header on the motherboard provides the necessary signals for a parallel port. A bracket with a ribbon cable that connects to this header is the correct solution. A USB-to-parallel adapter would work but may have compatibility issues and is not the best use of the existing header. A PCIe parallel card is an alternative but unnecessary if the header is present.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Install a USB-to-parallel adapter
Why it's wrong here
While this could work, it bypasses the built-in LPT header and may have driver or compatibility issues.
- ✗
Use a PCIe parallel port expansion card
Why it's wrong here
This is a valid solution but more expensive and unnecessary since the motherboard already has the header.
- ✓
Purchase an LPT bracket that connects to the motherboard header
Why this is correct
This bracket provides the physical port using the motherboard's built-in parallel port header, which is the most direct and cost-effective solution.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Solder wires directly to the motherboard's LPT header pins
Why it's wrong here
Soldering is risky, non-standard, and could damage the motherboard; a bracket is the proper method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Motherboard — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Motherboard practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Purchase an LPT bracket that connects to the motherboard header — The LPT header on the motherboard provides the necessary signals for a parallel port. A bracket with a ribbon cable that connects to this header is the correct solution. A USB-to-parallel adapter would work but may have compatibility issues and is not the best use of the existing header. A PCIe parallel card is an alternative but unnecessary if the header is present.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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