hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That their laser printer prints pages with a…
A user reports that their laser printer prints pages with a repeating horizontal band of missing text about every 3 inches. The printer has a new toner cartridge and the drum is separate. 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 drum unit has a scratch or defect
Repeating horizontal defects at regular intervals are classic symptoms of a damaged roller or drum. The distance between defects matches the circumference of the drum or a roller. Since the toner cartridge is new, the issue likely lies with the separate drum unit or a roller (like the transfer roller) that has a defect.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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The fuser is not reaching the correct temperature
Why it's wrong here
A fuser that is not reaching the correct temperature typically results in toner not being properly melted and bonded to the paper. This manifests as smudging, toner flaking off, or prints that appear faded and can be easily wiped. Such temperature issues would affect the entire fused area of the page, not produce a distinct, repeating pattern of missing bands, which points to a defect on a rotating component.
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The toner cartridge is defective
Why it's wrong here
A defective toner cartridge usually leads to general print quality issues such as light prints, streaks, splotches, or uneven toner distribution across the entire page. While some cartridges integrate the drum, a general 'defective toner cartridge' typically implies issues with the toner supply or developer roller, which would not create a consistent, repeating missing band at regular intervals. The pattern described strongly indicates a physical defect on a specific imaging component, rather than a broad toner supply problem.
- ✓
The drum unit has a scratch or defect
Why this is correct
A scratch or defect on the drum unit's photosensitive surface prevents it from holding an electrostatic charge or accepting toner correctly in that specific area. As the drum rotates during the printing process, this damaged spot will consistently fail to transfer toner to the paper, resulting in a repeating missing band on the printed output. The interval of the repeating defect directly corresponds to the circumference of the drum, making this a definitive diagnostic indicator.
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The paper is damp or of poor quality
Why it's wrong here
Damp or poor-quality paper can cause various printing problems, including paper jams, wavy or cockled prints, or uneven toner adhesion leading to blotchy or faded areas. However, these issues do not typically manifest as a precisely repeating pattern of missing bands at a consistent interval. Such a regular defect strongly suggests a mechanical issue with a rotating component within the printer's imaging path, rather than a characteristic of the paper itself.
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Related to this question
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Printer Types and Components
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.
Key term
Toner cartridge
An electrophotographic printer component that holds a fine, dry plastic powder (toner) and supplies it to the imaging drum to produce text and images on paper.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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