Courseiva
← 220-1201
Full test
hardMultiple Choice

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?

⚠ Common exam trap

220-1201 often tests the diagnostic value of the nozzle check, catching candidates who blame the driver or paper settings for blank pages when the nozzle check has already isolated the fault to the print hardware.

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.

A nozzle check that produces no ink on the test pattern, despite full cartridges and no error messages, indicates the printhead is not firing at all. Since the cartridges are confirmed full and seated, and the nozzle check bypasses driver and paper-path issues, the most likely cause is a failed printhead — a hardware failure that requires replacement (or, in many inkjets, replacement of the cartridge if the printhead is integrated).

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.

About these practice questions

One of 871 original 220-1201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

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: If the nozzle check pattern test passes, the printhead is functioning correctly, so the issue is likely software-related. Updating the printer driver can resolve communication or rendering issues that cause blank pages. This is a logical next step after ruling out hardware problems.

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: A clogged printhead prevents ink from being ejected onto the paper even when cartridges are full and correctly installed, producing blank pages. Inkjet printheads have microscopic nozzles that dry out or clog with dried ink residue when the printer sits idle, blocking all ink flow. Running the built-in cleaning cycle or manually cleaning the printhead typically restores output.

JA

Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint

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.