220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user reports that their laser printer is producing pages with vertical streaks of faded print. The technician notices that the streaks appear in the same location on every page. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is overcomplicating the issue by blaming internal components like the fuser or laser unit when a simple toner problem is the 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 toner cartridge is low or unevenly distributed.
Vertical streaks of faded print that repeat in the same location are a classic symptom of low toner or uneven toner distribution in the cartridge. Shaking the cartridge can temporarily redistribute toner, but replacement is the permanent fix. Other components like the fuser, transfer belt, or laser scanner would produce different symptoms, such as smearing, spots, or distortion. Therefore, the toner cartridge 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 or unevenly distributed.
Why this is correct
Vertical streaks of faded print that repeat in the same location are often caused by low toner or uneven toner distribution in the cartridge. Shaking the cartridge to redistribute toner can temporarily resolve the issue, but replacement is usually needed. This is a common symptom when the toner supply is near empty or clumped.
- ✗
The laser scanner unit is misaligned.
Why it's wrong here
A misaligned laser scanner unit would cause distorted or skewed images, not localized vertical streaks. The scanner writes the image onto the drum, and misalignment typically affects the entire page's geometry. Vertical streaks of faded print are more indicative of a toner supply problem.
- ✗
The fuser assembly is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
A damaged fuser typically causes smearing or smudging of the entire page, not localized vertical streaks. Fuser issues often result in toner that rubs off easily or repeating marks from a damaged roller. The described symptom of consistent vertical streaks is more characteristic of a toner distribution problem.
- ✗
The transfer belt is dirty.
Why it's wrong here
A dirty transfer belt can cause print quality issues, but it usually results in repeating spots or smudges rather than vertical streaks. The transfer belt transfers toner to the paper, and contamination might affect the entire page. Vertical streaks in one area are more likely due to toner cartridge issues.
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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 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.