How to get around safari no longer launching jnlp files with 6.0.3?

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How to get around safari no longer launching jnlp files with 6.0.3?

I'm both a user of Java Webstart applications and a publisher (at work and for private projects)

Given the latest update to Safari that no longer launches a JNLP file I've had no choice but recommend that my clients switch to Firefox or Chrome in order to continue using the Java Webstart applications.

The fact that clicking the button or link to launch the JNLP appears to do nothing, that sometimes the JNLP is downloaded and other times not, and it never launches webstart, makes it impossible to support clients and makes the applications appear completely broken.

Is there no workaround to this? Some way to get Safari to run the JNLP file?

OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), Safari 6.0.3

Posted on Apr 7, 2013 11:21 AM

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Answer 1

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Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Apr 7, 2013 1:27 PM in response to stevenwwj

For security reasons, WebStart application files are now downloaded to a hidden folder and are not launched automatically. Although you may find instructions on the Internet for defeating this protection, I strongly advise against doing so.

The right way to launch a WebStart application is to click the Downloads button at the right end of the Safari toolbar and then double-click the icon of the JNLP file you just downloaded. If you want to save the file for later use, click the magnifying-glass icon to reveal it in the Finder, and then move it.

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Answer 2

stevenwwj Author

Level 1

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Apr 7, 2013 2:30 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks, that does help.

Now I need to figure out how to explain that to all the users who "see" the link as just not working... (it's not obvious that something was downloaded. (They are looking for the app to start, not for a download in the safari download icon))

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