hardMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: That their laser printer occasionally prints…
A user reports that their laser printer occasionally prints pages with a faint ghost image of the previous page. The ghost image appears about 2 inches below the current content. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the ability to distinguish between print defects: candidates may confuse ghosting with fuser issues or low toner, but the repeating pattern at a fixed interval points specifically to the drum cleaning blade.
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 drum cleaning blade is worn
A ghost image repeating at a fixed interval (about 2 inches) is typically caused by the drum cleaning blade failing to remove residual toner from the previous rotation. The drum retains a latent image that gets transferred to the next page, creating a ghost. A worn cleaning blade is the most likely cause.
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 low
Why it's wrong here
A low toner cartridge typically results in print output that is consistently faded or light across the entire page, or in specific areas where toner distribution is poor. This occurs because there isn't enough toner available to adhere properly to the electrostatically charged areas of the drum, leading to insufficient coverage. It does not cause ghosting, which is the faint repetition of a previously printed image.
- ✗
The fuser is overheating
Why it's wrong here
An overheating fuser assembly can cause several print quality issues, primarily smearing or toner flaking, as the toner melts excessively and adheres improperly to the paper or the fuser rollers themselves. It can also lead to paper jams due to the paper sticking to the overly hot fuser. However, an overheated fuser does not typically produce ghost images, which are residual images from prior print cycles.
- ✓
The drum cleaning blade is worn
Why this is correct
A worn or damaged drum cleaning blade is a direct cause of ghosting because it fails to adequately scrape residual toner from the photosensitive drum after each print cycle. This leftover toner remains on the drum's surface and is then picked up by the electrostatic charge for the subsequent page, resulting in a faint, repeated image from the previous print job appearing on the current page. The ineffective cleaning allows the previous image to partially transfer again.
- ✗
The paper is damp
Why it's wrong here
Damp paper can significantly impact print quality and printer operation, leading to issues such as frequent paper jams as the moist sheets stick together or warp within the paper path. It can also cause the printed output to appear wavy, curled, or have poor toner adhesion due to the moisture interfering with the electrostatic transfer and fuser bonding processes. However, damp paper does not cause ghosting, which is a specific defect related to residual toner on the imaging drum.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Inkjet Printer Maintenance and Clogged Nozzles
Key term
Image
An image is a complete snapshot of a system's operating system, applications, and settings, used to deploy or restore computing environments quickly.
Key term
Laser printer
A laser printer is a high-speed, high-volume output device that uses a laser beam and toner to produce precise text and graphics on paper.
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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.