from mail sent to nb-tech about this:

Recently on windows, when running, for example using Japanese or Chinese
regional settings, and when running using the --fontsize option, we notice that when using multibyte characters, that
these characters appear as square boxes in most
parts of netbeans (windows/dialogs)  Running without using the fontsize option, the characters show ok.

In the editor and output window text areas, and most parts of the welcome window, the characters appear ok
in both cases.

This happens on more than one machine and one user.

Its not seen happening on other platforms although if cause is related to a change in assigning fonts for look and feel,
perhaps it might apply to other platforms if a non default look and feel is used ? (I dont know if windows
itself has >1 look and feel in terms of nb/java - we are just running the way normally do.)

In the past, there had been no problem in running with larger fontsize
and using the --fontsize option on windows.

Its ok in 6.0.1 and in earlier 6.1 builds until some recent point.

For this case, its not needed to use pseudo localized or any localized netbeans since this
is not about messages, just about how any multibyte is displayed.

We have not changed any user display settings and don't have them set
to any certain font sizes anyway.
==> If there have been some relatively recent changes that might explain
what we are seeing or if anyone has any information of why it might be seen
using --fontsize option but not otherwise, please reply.
(Such as using a non jdk standard font name when assigning the font via --fontsize) 

steps:

1. be in ja locale/regional settings on windows - make sure first and third tabs of reg settings have ja chosen
2. bring up recent netbeans making sure to start with --fontsize option -- use --fontsize 14
3. create new project dialog - enter some japanese characters into the project name field - it shows
the characters as square boxes.
this can happen in other such ide areas.
4. compare to nb started without using --fontsize option - the characters look ok.




I don't think this is related to 127077 since it happens now and fix for it was earlier this month
 unless perhaps the fix for it might relate to something that might be causing this situation.