Printer Maintenance

Correct Answer: Calibrate the color registration

The first maintenance step one should take when addressing a color misalignment issue in a high-end color laser printer is to calibrate the color registration. This process aligns the different color images so that they print correctly on top of each other, correcting any misalignment that may be causing the color issues. The option suggesting to replace the fuser assembly is not the first step as this component is responsible for bonding the toner to the paper and usually does not cause color misalignment but may be responsible for issues related to print quality or paper jams. Adjusting the paper tray settings is unlikely to fix a color misalignment issue unless the problem is specifically related to the way paper is being fed into the printer, which is much less common. Performing a full printer cleaning cycle, while helpful for general maintenance and to resolve certain types of print quality issues, such as spots or streaks, is not the primary step for correcting color misalignment.

Correct Answer: Clean the corona wire

Smudging and streaking on printed pages from a laser printer can often be caused by a dirty corona wire. The corona wire is responsible for applying a high voltage charge to the drum, which allows the toner to adhere to the paper in the desired pattern. Over time, the corona wire can accumulate dust and debris, leading to uneven charging and poor print quality. Cleaning the corona wire is the appropriate solution. Replacing the printer ribbon or refilling ink cartridges are not applicable to laser printers, as they use toner instead. Replacing the print head is also not necessary in this case, as the issue is related to the charging process rather than the actual application of toner to the page.

Correct Answer: Check the toner cartridge

Checking the toner cartridge is the correct solution because when the cartridge runs out of toner or is not installed properly, blank pages will be printed. The other options do not address the problem of blank pages.