Windows Printing vs Java Web Start

Question

I am having a hard time printing from a Java Web Start application to a printer attached to a Windows server. I don't have problems with this printer and other (i.e Mac) applications. When I try to print from the JWS app the job gets sent to the Printer window but the Status is "On Hold (Authentication Required)". If I click the Resume button I get prompted for my (Windows) username and password, after that the print job goes through normally. I noticed the Print window shows this job's username as "System Administrator". When when I print from a Mac application the username is blank and the print job goes straight to the printer. The Activity Monitor shows I am the owner of the JWS process. On Tiger web start just prints normally. This is very frustrating. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I have tested this further and have additional observations.
1. The problem is observed in java applications, like JEdit, not just web start applications.
2. The scenario described in the original post applies to admin users. It is possible to work around the issue by creating a custom printing queue using the Advanced tab in the Printing CP. The normal Windows printing queue looks like: "smb://printServer:port/Printer". If you create a custom queue of this form: "smb://windowsUsername:password@printServer:port/Printer" then the java application will print without requiring further confirmation in the Print queue dialog.
3. The scenario and workaround do not work with a standard user. With a standard user the java application presents a modal dialog that indicates a printing failure. The dialog does not get dismissed after clicking the OK button, but does close when the java application is quit. I have not found any work arounds that allow standard users to print.