220-1101 Question 336
Single answerAutomatic document feeder (ADF)/flatbed scannerA legal office uses a multifunction printer to scan large, double-sided contracts. Staff report that when they place a 40-page contract in the automatic document feeder (ADF), several pages come through skewed and a few pages are missing from the final PDF. However, when the same pages are scanned one at a time on the flatbed, the images are complete and properly aligned. Which action should the technician take FIRST to resolve the issue?
- A
Clean the ADF pickup/separation rollers and inspect the paper path for debris or worn parts
- B
Increase the scan resolution to 1200 dpi so the feeder captures more detail from each page
- C
Replace the flatbed scan glass because skewing usually indicates a scratched platen
- D
Reinstall the scanner software because missing pages are most likely caused by the OCR component
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests the ability to isolate a scanner problem by comparing ADF behavior with flatbed behavior. In real-world troubleshooting, if a document scans correctly on the flatbed but misfeeds, skews, or drops pages through the ADF, the technician should suspect the feeder mechanism first. Common causes include dirty pickup rollers, worn separation rollers/pads, misaligned guides, or debris in the paper path. Manufacturer service documentation for multifunction devices commonly recommends cleaning the ADF rollers and separation components as an initial corrective action for skewed feeds and multi-page pickup issues. Best practice is to verify the symptom, isolate the failing subsystem, perform basic maintenance, and then retest before escalating to parts replacement or software troubleshooting.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Because the problem occurs only when using the ADF and not when using the flatbed, the most likely cause is a mechanical feed issue in the ADF path. Dirty or worn pickup/separation rollers, dust, staples, adhesive residue, or other debris can cause pages to skew, misfeed, or feed multiple sheets at once, which results in missing pages in the output. A first troubleshooting step is to clean the ADF rollers and inspect the feeder path according to the manufacturer's maintenance guidance.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Scan resolution affects image detail and file size, not whether pages feed straight or whether sheets are skipped in the ADF. Raising the dpi would likely slow the scan and increase file size without addressing the underlying feed mechanism problem.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The flatbed is already producing complete, aligned scans, which strongly indicates the flatbed glass and scan mechanism are functioning properly. Skew during ADF scanning points to how the pages are being transported through the feeder, not to damage on the flatbed platen.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Software problems can affect scan jobs, but the scenario specifically isolates the issue to ADF use. OCR is also not required for pages to be included in a PDF scan. Since the flatbed works correctly, the first step should be to troubleshoot the ADF hardware path before reinstalling software.