JRE Frequently Asked Questions

This page is generally for use by LSPs or technical administrators. It addresses installation and questions about JRE as installed on client PCs, describing solutions and workarounds for JRE issues.

• Recommended Java/JRE version as of June 2013
• Minimum Java/JRE version as of May 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Java 7 upgrade issue: bug in the Java upgrade cycle
• Issue with Java and Mac os X
• Issue with JRE 7
• Move to JRE 1.6u27 as of 11/28/11
• Issues with JRE versions
• Browser Window Opens Behind the Forms Window
• In what instance/ URL can I TEST the connection with JRE?
• Is it compatible?
• Do I need to uninstall old JRE versions prior to the new JRE?
• "This account does not have sufficient privileges..."
• All Browser windows close
• Internet Explorer has encountered a problem...
• What about "Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls ... the page may not display correctly."?
• Pop-up Blockers can prevent access.
• Windows XP SP2 can prevent access.
• How to determine the default version of the JRE on Windows
• Clear Java Cache.
• FRM-40202 on a Mac.
• Can't View Output.
• Can't Export data.
• Automatically Export to Excel.
• Can't open Attached files.
• Adding IS to the Trusted sites.
• What browsers and Operating Systems should I use?

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Java 7 Upgrade issue: bug in the Java upgrade cycle
Some users have reported that, once they have upgraded to version 7-21, they are being prompted to install 7-17 when logging into Oracle. This is due to a Windows registry flag not being set when the upgrade is installed. To resolve this issue, please install 7-17 again if prompted.

Recommended Java/JRE version as of June 2013

Enterprise Applications recommends that users load the latest version of Java (version 1.7.0_25) for security purposes.

Minimum Java/JRE version as of May 2013

Java 1.7.0_17 is the minimum version of Java/JRE to connect.

Issues with JRE 7

Oracle advised on June 15, 2012, that there are multiple known issues with Java JRE version 7. It is incompatible with:

Integrated System (HR/Finance)
Integrated System Discoverer
SIS Reporting/Discoverer
WebNow

They have issued a bulletin that, starting July 3rd, JRE 7 will automatically update unless you disable the auto-update feature.

For Windows XP, please do the following:

-Start --> Control Panel

-Double-click Java (Java control panel will open)

- Select the “Update” tab

-Uncheck the box “Check for Updates Automatically”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Windows Vista and Windows 7 machines, open an administrator command prompt window

-Click on Start
-Click on All Programs
-Click on Accessories
-Right click on Command Prompt
-Click on Run as Administrator

 

 

You may be prompted by windows User Account Control that you are making changes. Click OK.

You should now see  a dos window open up. Type the following….

“c:\Program Files (x86)\java\jre6\bin\javacpl.exe”

If you are running a 32bit OS, the command should be

“C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\javacpl.exe”

Once the Java Control panel opens up go to the Update tab and uncheck the box “check for updates automatically”

Click apply then OK.

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Issue with Java and Mac os X

It has come to our attention that Apple has been offering an update to Java (Java Update 9). This patch closes the hole the recent Flashback virus was exploiting. Updating Mac OS X with Java Update 9 (aka Java 1.6.0_33) or a security update that includes Java update 9 may disable a user's ability to log into Discoverer Plus. Enterprise Applications has confirmed and replicated this issue using Safari 5.1.7 and Mozilla Firefox versions newer than 4. Enterprise Applications has logged an incident ticket with Oracle for resolution. Unfortunately, there is no approved method of uninstalling the latest version of Java, and removal or rolling back the Java version will make the machine susceptible to infection. A temporary work around is to install Mozilla version 3.6.2, as this has been tested and confirmed to work with Java update 9. You can download it at http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all-older.html. A message will follow once Oracle has resolved the issue. (6/29/12)

Move to JRE 1.6u27 as of November 28, 2011

As of November 28, 2011, access to Discoverer Plus requires a newer minimum Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.6_27 on the client workstation. This will be required for Integrated System HR/Finance applications effective December 11, 2011. If the client does not have the required version (or newer) of JRE, for Internet Explorer users, it will automatically download and install.

While old and new versions of JRE can co-exist. Unless there is a compelling reason you should only have the recommended 1.6u27 version installed. This version may be installed and tested by emailing isds-lsp@virginia.edu to create a login on our test server.

Users may have XP Pop-up blocker and ActiveX blockers to contend with. Installation with Windows Administrator privileges is required.

Caveats: For best performance, set the following: (click link for details)
Set Integrated System site as allowed by pop-up blockers.
Add Integrated System site to Trusted Zone.
Adjust XP firewall as suggested by Microsystems via the latest ITS Network Setup Tool.

Sample Scenario: Windows XP SP3, Windows firewall on, Popup blocker on, all Internet Options Security set to Default, logged in with Windows administrative privileges, VPN on. Logged into the Oracle Applications, UVA Printer Setup Specialist, clicked Register, popup "Did you notice the Information Bar?," OK. On the yellow Information Bar, choose Install ActiveX Control, click Register again. JRE download started and installation began. Click Install button, Accept, Finish. On the Information Bar, choose “Always allow Pop-ups from this site,” click Register yet again. JRE started for successful system access.

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Issues with JRE versions:
The Integrated System utilizes dynamic JRE versioning which means JRE Version 6 Update 27 is the minimum version required, but newer versions up to Update 31 should be compatible. JRE Version 7 is not compatible at this time.

Over time, Sun Microsystems continues to release newer versions of Java. By default, Java Updater will search for updates monthly. Users can check for updates or disable Automatic Updates on the Update tab of the Java Control Panel found in Windows Control Panel.


Browser Window Opens Behind the Forms Window :
Opening an html page from the forms navigator may cause the html window to open behind the navigator window when using Internet Explorer. This issue occurs when using next-generation java plug-in technology with JRE 1.6.0_10 or later, however it does not appear to occur on all desktops.

If required, one of the following workarounds may be used whilst awaiting a permanent fix.
1. Alter the tabbed browser settings in IE7 or IE8: To workaround this issue when using IE7 or IE8 select the following options in the browser; 'Tools' -> 'Internet Options' -> 'General' -> 'Tabs' -> 'Settings' -> 'Enable Tabbed Browsing' -> 'Always switch to new tabs when they are created'. Also select either 'Let Internet Explorer decide how pop-ups should open' OR 'Always open pop-ups in a new tab' from; 'Tools' -> 'Internet Options' -> 'General' -> 'Tabs' -> 'Settings' -> 'Enable Tabbed Browsing' -> 'When a pop-up is encountered:'

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In what instance/URL can I TEST the connection with JRE 1.6U27?
This version may be installed and tested by emailing isds-lsp@virginia.edu to create a login on our test server.

Is it compatible?
There are many versions of Java. Some software requires specific versions. JRE 1.6_27 may conflict with other Java centric programs installed on the client PC.

Do I need to un-install old JRE versions prior to the new JRE?
Generally no, but there are instances where issues may arise and you may have to reinstall java. If you find yourself in a situation where you need an older version it is advised you install the older version then the newer version(s). Installing java versions in a non-sequential order will cause you issues.

Administrator Permissions: during installation, a Warning window states "This account does not have sufficient privileges to install Java(TM)..." or "When I try to start a responsibility, nothing happens."
The Windows account does not have Administrator permissions or equivalent. Re-logon to Windows as Administrator or equivalent.

All browser windows close after choosing an Oracle responsibility.
An additional symptom is Java Control Panel (within Windows Control Panel) will not open.

There is a Java conflict with an Add-on. This can be difficult to resolve.
Add-ons can be disabled individually in Internet Options, Programs tab, Manage Add-ons button. On one occasion, all Adobe products had to be Uninstalled to resolve the conflict. Reinstalling current versions restored functionality.

Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close.
Internet Options, Advanced tab, uncheck 'Enable third-party browser extensions'.

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What about "Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page. As a result, the page may not display correctly."?
It is recommended to put the IS site in the Trusted Zone (click for directions).
Otherwise ...

Internet Explorer's ActiveX settings may prevent successful operation. To set this in Internet Explorer, first close all Windows applications. Then click on Tools, Internet Options, Security tab, Internet icon, Custom Level button. Set:

"Download signed ActiveX controls" to Enable or Prompt,

"Download UNsigned ActiveX controls" to Enable or Prompt,

"Run ActiveX controls and plugins" to Enable or Prompt.

Upon completion of the installation of Java, the security level for the Internet zone should be reset to the Default, which is Medium. On Internet Explorer menu bar, click Tools, Internet Options, Security tab, Internet zone (the globe), Default Level button, Apply, OK.

Pop-up Blockers can prevent access:
Some pop-up blockers (like the Google & Yahoo Toolbars) have been known to prevent the Java window from starting, thereby denying access. Additionally, pop-up blockers have prevented users from being able to "View Output" and open certain forms.

Some pop-up blockers may be configurable to avoid this problem. For example, the Goggle toolbar can be configured to allow pop-ups from www.virginia.edu pages, yet continue to block pop-ups from other sites.

Click here for more information about the Windows XP Service Pack 2
(XPSP2) Pop-up blocker and how to configure it for IS compatibility.

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How to determine the default version of the JRE on Windows:
To determine the default version of the JRE on a system for Windows: Click "Start", Select "Run", Type "cmd" (starts a command-line). At the prompt, type "java -version" (without quotes). Note: This command only determines the default version. Other versions may also be installed on the system.

Enable Java Console:
Enable the Java Console on your PC through the 'Java Control Panel' by clicking on the 'Java' icon within your desktop clients 'Control Panel'. Select the 'Advanced' Tab and expand the 'Java Console' field. Make sure the 'Show Console' option is selected.

Clear Java Cache:
On occasion, it may be required to flush the Java cache (Temporary Internet Files). In Control Panel, select Java, General tab, Settings button, Delete Files button, OK, OK.

By default, the actual location is C:\Documents and Settings\<YourUserID>\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache.

Windows Vista JRE Cache Directory: The JRE cache directory can no longer be changed within the Java Control Panel. The Change button has been disabled under 'Java Control Panel' -> 'General' (tab) -> 'Settings' -> 'Location'.

The default cache is set to a low-integrity directory under the users home, i.e. C:\Users\<username>\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache.

Users wishing to change the cache location must do so through the deployment.properties file. (At the user level, this is located at C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Sun\Java\Deployment\deployment.properties)

For information on updating the deployment.properties file, please reference the 'Deployment Configuration File and Properties' document on the Sun web site at:

http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/technotes/guides/deployment/deployment-guide/properties.html

FRM-40202 on a Mac:
This is a known issue when attempting to Query by Example on Timecard screen using an Apple Macintosh. ISDS is working with Oracle to find a solution.
A temporary alternative is to use a Windows XP PC.

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Can't View Output:
Symptom: User clicks View Output button and nothing seems to happen.
This can be caused by browser settings blocking downloads. Adding the IS to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options may be a solution. Please see Trusted Zone below.

(2/18/09) The output may not be visible. In Internet Explorer with tab viewing enabled, View Output opens a new tab to display the data, but its not in the active window. To get the new tab to display in the foreground: Internet Options, Tab section (near bottom) Settings button, Check "Always switch to new tabs when created.", OK, OK. You may have to close and restart all browser windows for the setting to be effective.

Can't Export data?
The export function is usually prevented by restriction of the “Automatic prompting for file downloads” being disabled in Internet Options.

Quick workaround for XP users: To circumvent the block, hold down the Ctrl (control) key during the Export process. Specifically, after the File/ Export, a red progress indicator displays. Depress and hold the Ctrl key until the File Download dialog box is displayed.

Adding the IS to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options may be a better solution. Please see Trusted Zone below.

To enable “Automatic prompting for file downloads” only: Close all browsers. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Internet Options, Security tab, Internet, Custom Level, scroll down to Downloads/ Automatic prompting for file downloads, click Enable, OK, Yes to changes, Apply, OK.

Automatically Export to Excel?
The Export downloads the file fnd_gfm.tsv. The File Download prompt has Save/ Cancel buttons only if the TSV file is not associated.

If that file type (TSV) is associated with Excel, the File Download dialog box prompts the user to Open/ Save/ Cancel. On that File Download dialog box, there's a check box for "Always ask ..." If that box is UNchecked and you click Save, the subsequent exports will simply open in Excel automatically.
To un-do this and regain the Open/ Save/ Cancel box: start Windows Explorer, Tools, Folder Options, File Types tab, scroll down the Registered File Types list, click to highlight the TSV file type, Advanced button, uncheck and then check the "Confirm Open After Download" box, OK, Close.

If TSV was associated with another program, such as notepad, the association can be changed as follows. In Windows Explorer, navigate to a saved copy of fnd_gfm.tsv, right click, Open with, Choose From a List, choose Microsoft Excel, CHECK the "Always use box", OK.

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Can't open attached files.
File Download needs to be enabled. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools, Internet Options, Security tab, click Internet zone, Custom Level button, set Automatic Prompting for File Downloads to Enabled.

Adding the IS to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options has proven to be a solution. See Trusted Zone below.

Adding IS to the Trusted sites?
It is suggested that the Integrated System server be added to the Trusted Zone in Internet Options. This allows for fewer restrictions on the IS site while retaining more restrictions for public Internet traffic. This helps resolve issues with Export failure and file attachment failure.

Add to Trusted Zone: You may need Administrator privileges on the PC to set Internet Options.
Close all browsers. Click Start, Control Panel, Internet Options, Security tab, Trusted sites, Sites button, enter
https://e1prdw2.admin.virginia.edu
in the "Add this Web site" box, Add button. One should also check the "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone" box. OK, Apply.

After adding IS to the Trusted Zone, modify the Trusted Zone security level to Medium-low.
Then click Apply, OK.

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