Running FORNAV Direct Print as the Logged-In User
By default, the FORNAV Direct Print service runs as a Windows service under the Network Service account. However, for debugging purposes, it can be useful to run the service in the context of the currently logged-in user.
Why Run as the Logged-In User?
Printer settings in Windows are user-specific, meaning the service account might not have access to the same printers or printer drivers as the logged-in user. You may encounter issues such as:
- Missing printers
- Unexpected printer behavior
- Problems related to printer-specific settings or drivers
Running Direct Print as the logged-in user helps determine whether such issues are caused by user-specific configurations.
How to Run as the Logged-In User
- Open the FORNAV Direct Print interface.
- Uncheck the option “Run as a Windows service”.
- (Optional) Enable “Show communication windows” to display on-screen what the service is doing. This shows the same information that is written to the log and can assist with debugging.
- Stop and start the Direct Print service to apply the changes. Switching modes requires a restart of the service.
Important Notes
- When running as the logged-in user, the service uses the printer settings and drivers associated with that user session.
- This mode is intended for debugging only. It is recommended to switch back to running the service as a background service once debugging is complete.
- Always stop and restart the service after switching between service mode and logged-in user mode.
When to Use This Mode
Use this mode if:
- You suspect problems are caused by user-specific printer drivers or settings.
- You need real-time feedback from the service to help diagnose issues.