The answer is a scratch or debris on the scanner glass or scanning strip. This is correct because the vertical line appears only on copies, not on PC prints, which isolates the fault to the scanner assembly rather than the printer engine or toner cartridge. When you make a copy, the machine scans the original document and then prints that scanned image, so any imperfection on the scanning glass or the internal scanning element will be reproduced as a consistent vertical line on every copy. In contrast, a print job sent from a PC bypasses the scanner entirely, so the line does not appear. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between scanner-related and printer-related defects; a common trap is to assume a dirty print head or drum, but the key clue is the line’s absence on PC prints. Remember the memory tip: “If it’s only on copies, check the glass for spots or scratches.”
220-1201 Multifunction Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of multifunction devices. 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 user reports that the multifunction printer is producing copies with a faint vertical line running down the entire page. The line appears in the same position on every copy, but printed documents from a PC do not have the line. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The scanner glass or scanning strip has a scratch or debris.
This question differentiates between scanner and printer issues. Since the line appears only on copies (scan then print) and not on PC prints, the problem is in the scanner assembly. A dirty or scratched scanner glass or a stuck debris on the scanning element causes consistent vertical lines.
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 toner cartridge is defective and needs replacement.
Why it's wrong here
A defective toner would cause lines on all prints, not just copies.
✗
The printer's fuser unit is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
A damaged fuser causes smudging or ghosting, not a consistent vertical line.
✓
The scanner glass or scanning strip has a scratch or debris.
Why this is correct
A scratch or debris on the scanner glass will appear as a vertical line on all scanned images, including copies.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The network cable is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
Network issues would affect print jobs from PCs, not local copying.
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.
Multifunction Devices — This question tests Multifunction Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The scanner glass or scanning strip has a scratch or debris. — This question differentiates between scanner and printer issues. Since the line appears only on copies (scan then print) and not on PC prints, the problem is in the scanner assembly. A dirty or scratched scanner glass or a stuck debris on the scanning element causes consistent vertical lines.
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". 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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Question Discussion
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