Interactive required stock fault recovery methodology

The present invention relates generally to image reproduction systems particularly with regards to paper stock selection in printers and copiers. More particularly, this invention relates to guiding customers or operators in the selection of paper stock available in a given machine. A method of controlling paper stock fault recovery in an image reproduction system for producing a print job from electronic data in accordance with job requirements calling for a desired stock having one or more selected stock attributes, the system including an interactive user interface enabling a system user to input operating instructions to the system. A dialog is thereby provided in which the operator may query any stock tray and get a listing of those stock tray attributes which are mismatched with the print job desired stock attributes.