220-1101 Question 439
Single answerCursor drift/touch calibrationA technician is troubleshooting a Windows-based 2-in-1 tablet used for patient intake in a clinic. Users report that when they tap a button near the edge of the screen, the cursor selects an item about half an inch away. The issue occurs only when using touch; an external USB mouse works normally. The display image is clear and properly scaled, and there is no visible physical damage. Which action should the technician take FIRST to address the problem?
- A
Run the touchscreen calibration utility for pen and touch input
- B
Replace the LCD panel because the digitizer is failing
- C
Increase the display resolution to match the panel's native resolution
- D
Update the USB mouse driver and test pointer settings
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario points to touch calibration rather than a display or general pointer problem. A consistent offset between where the user touches and where the system registers input is a classic sign that the touchscreen digitizer needs calibration. On Windows systems, technicians commonly use built-in calibration tools for pen and touch input before moving on to more invasive steps such as driver reinstallation or hardware replacement. This follows standard troubleshooting best practices: identify that the issue is limited to touch, verify that other pointing devices work, attempt the simplest corrective action first, and escalate only if calibration does not resolve the problem.
- A. Correct.
Correct. When touch input is consistently offset from the point being pressed, the most appropriate first step is to recalibrate the touchscreen or digitizer. In Windows, this is commonly done through the Tablet PC Settings or related Pen and Touch calibration tools. Because the problem affects touch only and not mouse input, calibration is the least invasive and most appropriate initial fix.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failed digitizer can cause touch problems, but replacing the LCD panel or digitizer is not the best first step when there is no visible damage and the symptom specifically suggests misalignment rather than complete failure, dead zones, or erratic input. Best practice is to attempt calibration and basic software troubleshooting before replacing hardware.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Resolution issues can affect how content is displayed, but they do not typically cause touch points to register consistently offset if the image is already clear and properly scaled. Since the display appears normal and the issue is isolated to touch input, changing resolution does not directly address the root cause.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The USB mouse is already working normally, which helps isolate the problem away from general pointer control and toward the touchscreen digitizer. Updating the mouse driver or changing mouse settings would not correct an offset in touch registration.