The correct answer is that the printer's Ethernet cable is faulty or not connected properly. An IP address beginning with 169.254 is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, which a device assigns to itself when it fails to receive a valid IP from a DHCP server. This means the printer’s network connection is broken—most commonly a loose, damaged, or unplugged Ethernet cable—so it cannot reach the DHCP server to obtain a proper lease. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to quickly recognize APIPA as a link-layer or DHCP failure, not a printer driver or configuration issue. A common trap is assuming the printer is faulty or that the IP needs manual configuration; instead, always start by checking the physical cable and verifying the DHCP server is online. Memory tip: “169.254 means the cable is the first thing to cure.”
220-1101 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 technician is installing a new network-connected laser printer in a conference room. After connecting the Ethernet cable and power, the printer's control panel shows an IP address of 169.254.3.18. What is the most likely issue?
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 printer's Ethernet cable is faulty or not connected properly.
An IP address starting with 169.254 indicates the printer failed to obtain an address from a DHCP server and assigned itself an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address. The network connection or DHCP server should be checked.
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 is configured with a static IP address.
Why it's wrong here
A static IP would not be in the 169.254 range unless manually set incorrectly, which is less likely.
✓
The printer's Ethernet cable is faulty or not connected properly.
Why this is correct
A poor connection prevents DHCP communication, causing the printer to use APIPA.
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 printer's toner cartridge is empty.
Why it's wrong here
Toner level does not affect network connectivity or IP addressing.
✗
The printer's firmware needs to be updated.
Why it's wrong here
Firmware updates are unrelated to DHCP assignment; APIPA indicates a network issue.
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: The printer's Ethernet cable is faulty or not connected properly. — An IP address starting with 169.254 indicates the printer failed to obtain an address from a DHCP server and assigned itself an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address. The network connection or DHCP server should be checked.
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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