hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That their inkjet printer prints blank pages even…
A user reports that their inkjet printer prints blank pages even though the ink cartridges are full and the printer shows no error messages. The technician has already checked the ink levels and performed a nozzle check, which showed no ink on the test pattern. What is the most likely cause?
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 printhead has failed and needs to be replaced.
Blank pages despite full cartridges and no errors often indicate a failed printhead that cannot deliver ink to the nozzles. The nozzle check pattern being blank confirms no ink is being ejected. A clogged printhead might show partial patterns, but a completely blank test suggests electrical or mechanical failure of the printhead.
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 corrupted and needs reinstallation.
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted printer driver primarily affects the communication between the computer and the printer, leading to issues like garbled text, incorrect formatting, or print job failures. However, it typically would not prevent the physical ejection of ink from a functional printhead, especially if the printer can perform internal functions like a nozzle check. A driver issue would not cause a completely blank output if the printer's hardware components are otherwise operational.
- ✓
The printhead has failed and needs to be replaced.
Why this is correct
The printhead is the critical component in an inkjet printer responsible for physically ejecting ink droplets onto the paper through microscopic nozzles. If the printhead fails due to electrical malfunction, severe clogging beyond routine cleaning, or physical damage, it cannot properly heat and expel ink, even if the ink cartridges are full and the printer receives print commands. This direct hardware failure results in completely blank pages, as no ink is dispensed.
- ✗
The paper type setting is set to 'transparency'.
Why it's wrong here
Setting the paper type to 'transparency' instructs the printer to adjust ink density and drying times for non-absorbent media. While this might lead to very light, smudged, or poor-quality prints on standard paper due to improper ink application, it would not physically prevent the printhead from attempting to eject ink. A completely blank page or a blank nozzle check pattern indicates a more fundamental issue with ink delivery, not merely a paper setting.
- ✗
The ink cartridges are not properly seated.
Why it's wrong here
Inkjet printers are equipped with sensors to detect the presence and proper seating of ink cartridges. If cartridges are not correctly installed, the printer typically registers this as an error, displaying a specific message (e.g., 'Ink cartridge not detected') and preventing any printing operations. It would not proceed to print blank pages while reporting full ink levels, as the system would recognize the absence or improper connection of the ink supply.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Printer Types and Components
Key term
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is a computer peripheral that creates printed documents or images by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper.
Key term
Blank pages
Blank pages are printed sheets that come out of a printer with no text, graphics, or markings, indicating a failure in the printing process.
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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 small business has an inkjet printer that prints blank pages even though the ink cartridges are full. The printer passes the nozzle check pattern test. What should be done next?
medium- ✓ A.Update the printer driver
- B.Replace the printhead
- C.Check the paper type setting
- D.Perform a power cycle
Why A: The nozzle check pattern test passes, indicating the printhead and nozzles are functioning correctly. Blank pages with full ink carticles suggest a communication or driver issue. Updating the printer driver can resolve software conflicts or corruption that prevents data from being sent to the printer.
Variation 2. A small office has an inkjet printer that is printing blank pages even though the ink cartridges are full and properly installed. What is the most likely cause of this problem?
easy- A.The printer driver is corrupted
- ✓ B.The printhead is clogged
- C.The paper type setting is wrong
- D.The USB cable is faulty
Why B: When an inkjet printer prints blank pages despite full cartridges, the printhead nozzles are often clogged. Ink can dry and block the tiny nozzles, preventing ink from reaching the paper. Running the printer's cleaning cycle or manually cleaning the printhead usually resolves the issue.
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.