- A
The printer driver is outdated
Why wrong: An outdated driver can cause print quality issues or errors, but it would not prevent jobs from being sent to the queue; the queue would still process.
- B
The print spooler service is stopped on the print server
Why wrong: If the spooler were stopped, no jobs would be queued at all. Since jobs are queued, the spooler is running.
- C
The printer has a faulty network cable or incorrect IP configuration
A faulty cable or IP misconfiguration can cause the printer to be unreachable, so jobs queue but never print. The printer appears on but cannot communicate.
- D
The printer's fuser is worn out
Why wrong: A worn fuser would cause print quality issues, not prevent jobs from printing. The printer would still accept and process jobs.
Quick Answer
The answer is a faulty network cable or incorrect IP configuration. Print jobs stuck in the queue with no printer errors almost always point to a breakdown in communication between the print server and the printer itself; the printer appears powered on and ready, but it cannot receive the data stream because the network link is physically broken or the IP address is misconfigured, causing packets to be lost. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network connectivity versus device status—a common trap is assuming the printer’s “online” light means it is reachable, when in fact a bad cable or static IP conflict can leave it isolated. Remember the memory tip: “No errors, but no prints? Check the link and the IP hints.”
220-1201 Printer Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of printer troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network printer in a school is shared by multiple users. They report that print jobs are frequently stuck in the queue and never print, but the printer itself is powered on and shows no errors. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue:
"never"Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The printer has a faulty network cable or incorrect IP configuration
Print jobs stuck in the queue often indicate a communication issue between the printer and the network. A bad network cable or incorrect IP configuration can cause the printer to appear online but not receive data. Checking the network connection and printer IP settings is the first step.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The printer driver is outdated
Why it's wrong here
An outdated driver can cause print quality issues or errors, but it would not prevent jobs from being sent to the queue; the queue would still process.
- ✗
The print spooler service is stopped on the print server
Why it's wrong here
If the spooler were stopped, no jobs would be queued at all. Since jobs are queued, the spooler is running.
- ✓
The printer has a faulty network cable or incorrect IP configuration
Why this is correct
A faulty cable or IP misconfiguration can cause the printer to be unreachable, so jobs queue but never print. The printer appears on but cannot communicate.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The printer's fuser is worn out
Why it's wrong here
A worn fuser would cause print quality issues, not prevent jobs from printing. The printer would still accept and process jobs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Printer Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Printer Troubleshooting practice questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
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220-1201 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Printer Troubleshooting — This question tests Printer Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The printer has a faulty network cable or incorrect IP configuration — Print jobs stuck in the queue often indicate a communication issue between the printer and the network. A bad network cable or incorrect IP configuration can cause the printer to appear online but not receive data. Checking the network connection and printer IP settings is the first step.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "never". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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