220-1101 Question 468
Single answerIncorrect page orientationA user reports that a spreadsheet prints sideways on the page, causing the right side of the data to be cut off. The printer is functioning normally for other users, and a test page from the printer prints correctly. You open the file on the user's computer and confirm the print preview shows the content rotated incorrectly. Which action should you take FIRST to resolve the issue?
- A
Change the document's page orientation from Landscape to Portrait, or vice versa, in the application's print or page setup settings
- B
Replace the printer's fuser assembly because rotated output usually indicates a hardware alignment problem
- C
Reinstall the printer driver to reset the printer's default paper handling behavior
- D
Clear the print queue and power cycle the printer to remove corrupted print jobs
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The key troubleshooting clue is that the printer test page prints correctly and other users can print normally, which indicates the printer hardware and general connectivity are working. In addition, the print preview already shows the page rotated incorrectly, meaning the issue exists before the print job reaches the printer. Best practice is to start with the simplest and most likely cause: check the document's page setup, specifically Portrait versus Landscape orientation. This aligns with standard printer troubleshooting methodology used in CompTIA A+ Core 1: identify whether the problem is with the printer, the driver, or the application/document settings, and begin with the most localized, least disruptive fix.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Because the printer can successfully print a test page and other users are not affected, the issue is isolated to this specific document or application setting rather than printer hardware. If print preview already shows the content in the wrong orientation, the first step is to correct the page orientation in the application's page setup or print settings. This is the most direct and efficient fix for a document printing sideways or being cut off due to layout.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A fuser assembly is responsible for bonding toner to paper in a laser printer. Problems with the fuser typically cause smearing, wrinkling, toner not adhering properly, or repeated image defects, not an incorrect page orientation shown in print preview. This option reflects a hardware troubleshooting misconception when the evidence points to a document formatting issue.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Reinstalling the printer driver can help with persistent driver corruption or missing printer features, but it is not the first step here. Since the printer works for other users and the print preview already shows the incorrect orientation before the job is sent to the printer, the problem is more likely within the document's print settings than the driver itself.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Clearing the print queue and restarting the printer can resolve stuck or corrupted print jobs, but it will not fix a document that is already displayed incorrectly in print preview. This option is plausible because technicians often reset queues for print issues, but it does not address the root cause in this scenario.