Printing on a Mac: Hold for Authentication

Overview

The "Hold for Authentication" error when printing is unique to Mac computers. It appears to happen when a StarID password reset has recently occurred. The cached (locally saved) credentials (StarID password) on the Mac do not match the credentials on the print server. This will prevent printing from a Mac computer.

Symptoms

When you attempt to print from a Mac computer, you will see the following "Hold for Authentication" message in the print queue.

Resolution Steps

Run the "Hold for Authentication" script in Self Service

  1. Open Launchpad then open Self Service
  2. In Self Service, Run the Metro-Print Hold for Authentication Error script. Running the script will remove the print job from the queue. 
  3. Restart the computer
  4. Sign in to the computer and try printing the file.
  5. If you see the Hold for Authentication message again, select the authenticate button and enter your StarID and password 
  6. If the print is not successful, proceed to the next section

Remove Network Password

  1. The locally cached credentials are stored in Keychain Access
  2. Use Spotlight Search (the magnifying glass at the top right) to search for "Keychain Access"
  3. Select "login" under Default Keychains
  4. Select "Metro Print" network password then select Edit > Delete
  5. Select "metrostate.edu" network password then select Edit > Delete
  6. If one of the above entries is missing, continue to the next
  7. After the network passwords are removed, restart the computer
  8. Sign in to the computer and try printing the file.
  9. If you see the Hold for Authentication message again, select the authenticate button and enter your StarID and password 
  • If the print is not successful, contact the IET Service Center at 651-793-1240.

Additional Resources

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