[SOLVED] CUPS - Unable to do maintenance command: Unauthorized

Question

Hi,
I had this problem several times now and still get hurt by it:
My HP_LaserJet_P2055d runs under ArchLinux. Then I use it for some printing with my Win7 Labtop, and the next time I try to use it under ArchLinux it doesn't work anymore.
After much research on the web, I found out, that this can be solved via the CUPS web interface, i.e. going to http://localhost:631/printers/HP_LaserJet_P2055d and then choosing 'Resume Printer' in the Maintaince drop-down menu.
However, when I did this successfully, I was offered a login as root. Now, if I try it, I only get a
Resume Printer HP_LaserJet_P2055d Error
Unable to do maintenance command:
Unauthorized
message, and I'm never offered a way to change user.
I tried to start the browser as root to circumvent this problem, but to no avail.
So, what shall I do to be able to do printer and job administration via the Cups webinterface?
Thanks in advance for any hints.
Last edited by 4on6 (2013-05-11 22:56:13)

Answer 1

ralvez wrote:Oh! I see.
That is odd.
Try clickin on "Add a printer". If you are not the root user it should prompt you to enter the root password. You will then become root for the duration of the session...and hopefully will be able deal with the problem that way.
I'm obviously not root, since I'm not authorized, but I'm not prompted either, I get the familar error again:
Add Printer Error
Unable to add printer:
Unauthorized
Thats the odd thing I wrote about. I tried all my 3 browers, chromium, conkeror and firefox, but to no avail. I even tried to delete all my browser data. Its really strange - no prompt anymore, and no option to log in or change user.
ralvez wrote:Another thing you may want to consider is acquiring a network printer (a small box that acts as your printer manager for the network) so you do not have to worry about the problem any more. You connect over wifi or ethernet to the network printer and it will send the print work to your printer. They go for as chip as $40 to up of $200 depending on what you are buyin.
The chip ones are good for your home/dorm useage.
Thanks for the tip, I should actually have a home network and a network printer, but at the moment I would already be satisfied to simply be able to print again under ArchLinux.