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Why do some print jobs disappear after the user has paid for it? 

Answer:

If a print job is disappearing (printer never prints job) after user has paid for it, then the printer driver configuration on the client computer could be at fault.  If the client printer driver has options added (duplexer, stapler, printer hard disk, etc.) that are not actually present on the physical printer, then the printer aborts (punt) the job.   

The Postscript language specification states that if a printer option is not installed, then any reference to that option will punt the job, even if that reference is to turn the option off.  For example, an HP LaserJet 8100 can have various options added, such as a duplexer.  If the physical printer has no duplexer, then any reference to duplexing will automatically abort (punt) the job.  Likewise, if the printer has no stapler/folder, then any reference within a print job to the stapler/folder option will abort the job. 

OCS does not alter the print job in any way; it simply dumps the job to the printer as it would if it were copying a file.  If the printer driver on the client computer has the duplexer option added, then all jobs submitted from that client will automatically contain a reference to the duplexer, even if it is to turn the option off (simplex printing).  In this case, the printer driver MUST be reconfigured to precisely represent the printer, that is, if there is no duplexer installed in the printer, then the duplexer option must be removed from the printer driver.   

As is always the case, the client printer driver configuration must always be accurate to ensure that there are no “surprises” when the printer attempts to print the job (after OCS has collected payment).  There is NO WAY that OCS can or will correct/modify print jobs to conform to the actual printer’s configuration – it is the system administrators’ responsibility to ensure that the drivers are properly configured and that this configuration is consistent.