Move to JRE 1.6u16 as of 12/14/09

As of December 14, 2009, access to the Integrated System requires a newer Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.6_16 on the client workstation. If the client does not have the required version of JRE, for Internet Explorer users, it will automatically download and install.

Several benefits result from this upgrade. Foremost is that many more browsers and Operating Systems are certified with its use.

Old and new versions of JRE can co-exist. This version may be installed and tested. See below.

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 ITC Microsystems.

Sample Scenario: Windows XP SP2, 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(click here for test URL), 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.

How do I get JRE 1.6_16?
Users may login to the test instance (click here for test URL), of the Integrated System with Internet Explorer and be automatically prompted to download and install the required version, or ...

To download a copy of JRE 1.6_16 for Windows XP (offline installation) to test connectivity to the upgraded Oracle applications (link below).

Java SE JRE for other Operating Systems is available from java.sun.com.

How do I get the current JRE 1.6_07?
Users may login to the production instance of the Integrated System with Internet Explorer and be automatically prompted to download and install the required version, or ...

To download a copy of JRE 1.6_07 for Windows XP (offline installation) to test connectivity to the upgraded Oracle applications (link below).

Java SE JRE for other Operating Systems is available from java.sun.com.

BACK TO TOP

Issues with JRE versions:
The Integrated System implemented dynamic JRE versioning which means JRE Version 6 Update 7 (aka JRE 1.6.0_07) is the minimum version required, but newer versions should be compatible.

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.

Java Version 6 Update 10 (aka JRE 6u10 or 1.6.0_10) introduced some new features, including "next generation" java plug-in. This can cause conflicts accessing the Integrated System. General info about Java 6u10.
Some work arounds follow:

JAVA SECURITY WARNING:
A JAVA SECURITY WARNING window may appear.

If the user clicks Run, Java 1.6.0_07 will be used.
If the user clicks Cancel, the newest Java version (ie. 6U10) will be used.

To avoid the annoying warning, do the following:

A simplistic solution is to remove the newer version of Java, ie. JRE 6u10, but that's not always practical.

Internet Explorer: If a user has difficulty accessing the Integrated System after installing JRE 6u10, or newer, disable next-generation plug-in.
Open Windows Control Panel, Java Control Panel, Advanced tab, double-click Java Plug-in, UNcheck "Enable the next-generation...", Apply, OK, OK, close all browser windows and retry.

What is next-generation Java Plug-in and how can I switch between the old Java plug-in and new Java plug-in?

BACK TO TOP

JRE 6u11 SLOW WHEN MOVING FORMS:
With JRE 6u11, aka JRE 1.6.0_11, moving forms within Oracle is *very* slow.

A solution is add a parameter for JRE. Open Control Panel, Java Control Panel, Java tab, (Java Applet Runtime Settings) View. On the 1.6.0_11 line, double click the Java Runtime Parameters field (normally blank) and insert (paste) the following:

-Dsun.java2d.d3d=false

Click OK, Apply, OK.

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. This bug is currently under investigation by Sun. For further details please see bug 8203054.

If required, one of the following workarounds may be used whilst awaiting a permanent fix.
1. Alter the tabbed browser settings in IE7: To workaround this issue when using IE7 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:'
2. Turn off Next-Generation Java: Turning off next-generation java as outlined in JRE 1.6.0_10 (6u10) and Later will workaround the issue for both IE6 and IE7 on the default browser settings The Java Control Panel can be accessed on the desktop client through Start -> Control Panel -> Java -> Advanced -> Java Plug-in -> Uncheck Enable the next-generation Java Plug-in (requires browser restart).

Firefox plug-ins :
Firefox stops at the "download" page:
A workaround is to disable next-generation plug-in as described above; plus
copy C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_07\bin\npjpi160_07.dll
to C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\plugins.
To prevent this DLL from being removed by the next install, make it Read-only.

Further explanation: Firefox retains the use of static versioning, therefore it can only connect using the same plug-in version as set in Oracle E-Business Suite. However, Firefox also only uses the latest version of the plug-in that it finds on the desktop client which can therefore cause a mismatch and a failure to connect. With this model, setting Oracle E-Business Suite to use JRE 1.6.0_07 would mean users must connect to a forms-based responsibility using the same version.

By default, Firefox only uses the latest version of the plug-in that it finds on the desktop. Unless Oracle E-Business Suite is set to use the latest available version of the plug-in, users may not be able to connect.

To view all active Firefox plug-ins, type "about:plugins" (without quotes) in the address bar.

BACK TO TOP

In what instance/URL can I TEST the connection with JRE 1.6U16?
You can test the connection on a NON-production test instance (Dev1 Dev2 11/17/09) at:
http://isp-dev.admin.virginia.edu:8072/oa_servlets/AppsLogin/ (VPN required)
User_id = LSP, password = intsys2jre. Click Printer Setup Specialist, Register, Java will then start. See Sample Scenario above for dealing with ActiveX and pop-ups.

Is it compatible?
There are many versions of Java. Some software requires specific versions. JRE 1.6_16 may conflict with other Java centric programs installed on the client PC. Example: the WinRunner product will not run with the new JRE.

Do I need to un-install old JRE versions prior to the new JRE?
No.

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'.

BACK TO TOP

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 Windows XP SP2 or the Goggle Toolbar) 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.

BACK TO TOP

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.

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.

BACK TO TOP

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.

BACK TO TOP

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 Zone?
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, Settings, Control Panel, Internet Options, Security tab, Trusted sites, Sites button, enter
https://is-sswa.admin.virginia.edu in the "Add this Web site" box, Add button. Should also check the "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone" box. OK, Apply, OK.

BACK TO TOP

Special considerations for Java 6u10 and later:
Notes about Java SE version 6 update 10 and later.

Quote: Don't be fooled by its unassuming name: Starting with Java SE 6 update 10, its a very different animal than the updates that preceded it. Java SE 6u10 pushes the envelope by adding more new features and functionality than in any previous Java programming language update release, including many that have been a long time coming. End-quote.

JRE installs (starting with 6u10): Static vs. Patch-in-place (default).

Java Quick Starter for Java SE 6u10

What is next-generation Java Plug-in and how can I switch between the old Java plug-in and new Java plug-in?