Move to JRE May 18, 2008 (TBA)

Access to the Integrated System will require Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.6_05 on the client workstation beginning May 18, 2008 (TBA). This replaces the Oracle Jinitiator which has been used historically. If the client does not have the required version of JRE, 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. The new version may be installed and tested prior to May 18. 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 the New JRE?
Users may login to the production instance of the Integrated System with Internet Explorer starting May 18, 2008, and be automatically prompted to download and install the required version, or ...

To install in advance of the go-live date, download a copy of JRE 1.6_05 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.

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In what instance/URL can I test the connection with JRE?
You can test the connection on a NON-production test instance (QATest) at:
https://is-agora.admin.virginia.edu:8090/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_05 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 Jinitiator versions prior to 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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

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 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.

What browsers should I use? What Operating Systems are certified?

While the following indicates various Operating Systems that are certified with the Oracle Applications access, be reminded that Oracle Discoverer is still certified on Windows XP platform only.

The following Operating Systems are certified to access Oracle Applications using the indicated browser and JRE versions.

Recommended Safari Browser Settings From the Safari Menu, go to 'Preferences -> Security -> Web Content' and select; 'Enable Plug-ins', 'Enable Java' and 'Enable JavaScript'. Do not select 'Block Pop-Up Windows'. (Selecting this will cause Oracle E-Business Suite not to open). From the Safari Menu go to 'Preferences -> Advanced' and select 'Press Tab to highlight each item on a web page'.

If you experience any difficulties, contact the ITC Help Desk at
924-3731.