220-1101 Question 457
Single answerGarbled printA user reports that a network laser printer produces pages of random symbols and unreadable characters whenever they print from a newly deployed Windows workstation. Other users can print normally to the same printer, and the affected user can print correctly to a different printer. Which of the following is the MOST likely fix?
- A
Replace the printer's fuser assembly
- B
Install the correct printer driver on the new workstation
- C
Run the printer's head-cleaning utility
- D
Increase the printer's paper weight setting
- E
Replace the toner cartridge
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The key troubleshooting clue is isolation of the issue to one new workstation. Since the shared network laser printer works for other users and the affected user can print to another printer successfully, the problem is not the printer hardware, toner, or network path in general. Garbled print commonly points to the wrong printer driver or an incorrect printer language being sent to the device. Best practice is to verify the exact printer model and install the correct vendor driver or a compatible universal driver that matches the printer's supported language, such as PCL or PostScript. CompTIA A+ Core 1 troubleshooting emphasizes identifying whether a problem is device-specific, user-specific, or workstation-specific before replacing hardware unnecessarily.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing fuser causes problems such as smeared output, toner not bonding to paper, wrinkles, or repeated ghosting. It does not typically cause random symbols or garbled text from only one workstation while other users print normally.
- B. Correct.
Correct. Garbled print from one newly deployed workstation while the same printer works properly for other users strongly indicates a driver or printer language mismatch on that workstation. Installing the correct manufacturer-supported driver, such as the proper PCL or PostScript driver for that printer model, is the most likely fix.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Head-cleaning utilities are associated with inkjet printers and are used to address clogged nozzles, streaking, or missing colors. This scenario involves a network laser printer producing unreadable characters, so head cleaning would not address the root cause.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Paper weight settings affect how the printer handles media, often to improve fusing or reduce jams on thicker stock. An incorrect paper setting would not normally cause random characters or symbols from only one user's print jobs.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A low or failing toner cartridge may cause faded print, light areas, or uneven density. It does not usually create garbled characters, especially when other users can print correctly to the same device.