220-1101 Question 444
Single answerCommon symptomsA user brings in a laser printer and reports that every page has the same unwanted mark repeated several times from top to bottom. The mark appears at regular intervals and in the same location pattern on each printed page, even when printing an internal configuration page from the printer's menu. Which component is the MOST likely cause of this symptom?
- A
Defective drum
- B
Incorrect paper size setting
- C
Low toner level
- D
Faulty network connection
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests recognition of a common printer symptom: repeating image defects. In laser printers, repeated marks at regular intervals usually indicate a problem with a rotating component such as the drum, fuser roller, transfer roller, or another imaging part. On A+ Core 1, candidates are expected to associate consistent, repeating page artifacts with printer hardware rather than software, driver, or network issues. A strong troubleshooting step is printing an internal test or configuration page; if the defect appears there, the issue is inside the printer. This aligns with standard hardware troubleshooting best practices and manufacturer service guidance, which often use defect repetition patterns to isolate failing print-engine components.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Repeating defects at consistent intervals on laser-printed pages commonly indicate a problem with a rotating imaging component, especially the drum. A damaged, dirty, or worn drum can place the same defect on the page each time the drum completes part of its rotation, creating a predictable repeating pattern. The fact that the problem also appears on an internal configuration page shows the issue is within the printer hardware rather than the computer or application.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An incorrect paper size setting can cause issues such as clipped output, scaling problems, or paper jams, but it would not typically create repeated marks at fixed intervals down the page. That symptom points to a mechanical or imaging problem rather than a print setting mismatch.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Low toner can cause faded print, light areas, or inconsistent density, but it does not usually create a repeated defect at the same interval down the page. A candidate might choose this because toner issues are common, but the repeating pattern is a stronger indicator of a drum or other imaging assembly problem.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A faulty network connection may prevent jobs from reaching the printer or cause communication failures, but it does not affect the physical image pattern on a page produced by the printer itself. Because the defect appears on an internally generated page, the network is not involved.