The answer is incorrect SMTP server settings. Scan to email fails because the multifunction printer relies on Simple Mail Transfer Protocol to relay the scanned document as an email attachment, and if the server address, port number, or authentication credentials are misconfigured, the MFP cannot establish a connection to the mail server. This is a classic scenario on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam where other network functions like printing remain fully operational, which helps eliminate issues with the Ethernet connection or TCP/IP configuration—the trap is assuming the whole network is broken. A quick memory tip: if printing works but emailing scans doesn’t, think “SMTP is the missing link,” and always verify the port (commonly 25, 587, or 465) and authentication settings first.
220-1101 Multifunction Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of multifunction devices. 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 customer reports that their multifunction printer (MFP) is not scanning to email. The MFP is connected to the network via Ethernet, and other network functions like printing work fine. What is the most likely cause of this 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 SMTP server settings are incorrect.
Scan to email requires the MFP to communicate with an SMTP server to send the email. Incorrect SMTP server settings are a common misconfiguration that prevents this function while other network services remain operational.
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 MFP is out of toner.
Why it's wrong here
Out of toner would affect printing, not scanning to email, which is a purely digital function.
✗
The network cable is loose.
Why it's wrong here
A loose cable would affect all network functions, but printing works fine, indicating the network connection is stable.
✓
The SMTP server settings are incorrect.
Why this is correct
Scan to email relies on SMTP to send the email; incorrect settings would break this feature while leaving other network services unaffected.
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 scanner glass is dirty.
Why it's wrong here
A dirty scanner glass would cause poor scan quality, not a failure to send the email.
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.
Multifunction Devices — This question tests Multifunction Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SMTP server settings are incorrect. — Scan to email requires the MFP to communicate with an SMTP server to send the email. Incorrect SMTP server settings are a common misconfiguration that prevents this function while other network services remain operational.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 user reports that when they scan a document to email from the office multifunction printer, the email never arrives. The printer shows a 'Connection to SMTP server failed' error. What is the most likely cause?
easy
A.The printer's IP address is set to static.
✓ B.The SMTP server address or port is configured incorrectly.
C.The toner cartridge is low.
D.The printer is out of paper.
Why B: This question tests knowledge of scan-to-email configuration. The SMTP server address or authentication credentials are the most common issues when a multifunction device cannot send email. Checking the SMTP settings in the printer's network configuration should resolve the problem.
Variation 2. A small office has an all-in-one printer that supports scanning to email, but users report that scanned documents are not being delivered. The printer's network settings show a valid IP address, and the SMTP server address is correct. What should the technician check next to resolve this issue?
medium
A.Verify the printer's DNS settings
✓ B.Check the SMTP authentication credentials configured on the printer
C.Replace the printer's toner cartridge
D.Reboot the network switch
Why B: This question tests understanding of multifunction device network configuration, specifically scanning to email. The most likely cause is incorrect authentication credentials for the SMTP server, as the printer must log in to send email. Checking network connectivity or DNS would be secondary if the IP is valid and the server address is correct.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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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.
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