The correct first step is to run the printer’s printhead cleaning cycle. Horizontal white lines on inkjet output, especially when they shift positions between prints, are a classic symptom of clogged printhead nozzles where dried ink blocks the precise ejection of droplets onto the page. Running the built-in cleaning cycle forces solvent through the nozzles to dissolve and clear the obstruction, making it the logical first action before any hardware disassembly or replacement. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of inkjet maintenance procedures and the order of troubleshooting—a common trap is jumping to replace the printhead or ink cartridges without first attempting the software-based cleaning utility. Remember the memory tip: “White lines wander? Clean the printer under.” This reinforces that moving white lines point to nozzle clogs, not a static mechanical issue like a scratched drum.
220-1201 Printer Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of printer troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small office has an inkjet printer that produces prints with horizontal white lines across the page. The lines appear in different positions on each print. Which step should the technician take first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run the printer's printhead cleaning cycle.
Horizontal white lines on inkjet output often indicate clogged printhead nozzles. Running the printer's cleaning cycle is the first recommended step to clear dried ink from the nozzles.
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.
✗
Replace the ink cartridges.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing cartridges is not the first step; clogged nozzles are more common and cleaning is simpler.
✓
Run the printer's printhead cleaning cycle.
Why this is correct
The cleaning cycle forces ink through the nozzles to clear clogs, which is the standard first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Update the printer driver.
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates address software issues, not physical nozzle clogs.
✗
Replace the printer's fuser.
Why it's wrong here
Inkjet printers do not have a fuser; that is a laser printer component.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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 — 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: Run the printer's printhead cleaning cycle. — Horizontal white lines on inkjet output often indicate clogged printhead nozzles. Running the printer's cleaning cycle is the first recommended step to clear dried ink from the nozzles.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their inkjet printer produces output with horizontal white lines through text and images. The printer has been used heavily for months without maintenance. What should you do to resolve this issue?
hard
A.Replace the fuser assembly
B.Perform a printhead alignment
✓ C.Run the printer's printhead cleaning cycle
D.Replace the pickup rollers
Why C: Horizontal white lines on inkjet output indicate clogged printhead nozzles. Over time, dried ink can block nozzles, preventing ink from being deposited. Running a printhead cleaning cycle uses the printer's built-in routine to clear clogs. If that fails, a manual cleaning or replacement may be needed.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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