easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their multifunction…
A customer reports that their multifunction printer (MFP) is not scanning to email. The MFP is connected to the network via Ethernet, and other network functions like printing work fine. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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 SMTP server settings are incorrect.
Scan to email requires the MFP to communicate with an SMTP server to send the email. Incorrect SMTP server settings are a common misconfiguration that prevents this function while other network services remain operational.
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 MFP is out of toner.
Why it's wrong here
Toner is a consumable required for the laser printing process, fusing powder onto paper to create an image. An MFP being out of toner would prevent it from performing print jobs, but it would not impact its ability to scan documents or send them via email. Scanning to email is a digital function that does not utilize the printer's toner supply. Therefore, this is not the cause of a failure to scan to email.
- ✗
The network cable is loose.
Why it's wrong here
A loose network cable would disrupt all network-dependent functionalities of the MFP, including printing, scanning to a network share, and accessing its web interface. Since the problem specifically states a failure to scan to email while other network functions like printing are operational, the physical network connection is likely stable. This indicates the issue is not with the fundamental network link.
- ✓
The SMTP server settings are incorrect.
Why this is correct
Scan to email functionality on an MFP relies on the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to send the generated email containing the scanned document. If the MFP's configured SMTP server address, port number, authentication credentials, or encryption settings are incorrect, the device will be unable to establish a connection with the mail server or successfully send the email. This specific misconfiguration would isolate the failure to the scan-to-email feature, leaving other network services like printing fully operational.
- ✗
The scanner glass is dirty.
Why it's wrong here
A dirty scanner glass would directly impact the optical quality of the scanned image, resulting in streaks, smudges, or blurred areas on the digital document. While this would compromise the legibility and appearance of the scanned content, it would not prevent the MFP from successfully digitizing the image and attempting to send it via email. The problem described is a failure to send the email, not an issue with the quality of the scanned image itself.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
TCP/IP and Common Ports for A+
Key term
Ethernet
Ethernet is a wired networking technology that connects devices like computers, printers, and servers to each other and to the internet using cables.
Key term
SMTP
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard internet protocol used to send emails from a client to a server or between email servers.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
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 when they scan a document to email from the office multifunction printer, the email never arrives. The printer shows a 'Connection to SMTP server failed' error. What is the most likely cause?
easy- A.The printer's IP address is set to static.
- ✓ B.The SMTP server address or port is configured incorrectly.
- C.The toner cartridge is low.
- D.The printer is out of paper.
Why B: This question tests knowledge of scan-to-email configuration. The SMTP server address or authentication credentials are the most common issues when a multifunction device cannot send email. Checking the SMTP settings in the printer's network configuration should resolve the problem.
Variation 2. A small office has an all-in-one printer that supports scanning to email, but users report that scanned documents are not being delivered. The printer's network settings show a valid IP address, and the SMTP server address is correct. What should the technician check next to resolve this issue?
medium- A.Verify the printer's DNS settings
- ✓ B.Check the SMTP authentication credentials configured on the printer
- C.Replace the printer's toner cartridge
- D.Reboot the network switch
Why B: This question tests understanding of multifunction device network configuration, specifically scanning to email. The most likely cause is incorrect authentication credentials for the SMTP server, as the printer must log in to send email. Checking network connectivity or DNS would be secondary if the IP is valid and the server address is correct.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.