Java application does not start on Microsoft Windows

Instructions for fixing broken file bindings for Java under Microsoft Windows.

Problem description: Java application (single .JAR file) does not start, when double clicked / Clicking the JAR file just opens a directory view, in which no executable file can be found.

Explanation: Java programs are often distributed as .JAR files, which are technically .ZIP archives. Older versions of WinZip and WinRAR are known to take over the .JAR file bindings, resulting in Java applications being treated as archives instead of programs. The Nokia application installer is also reported to show a similar behavior.

How to fix the problem: This problem can either be solved by simply reinstalling Java from http://java.com or by reassigning the file bindings. To reassign the file bindings (assuming that Java is in fact already installed), please follow these simple steps:

• Find a .JAR file, rightclick on it and select "Properties" from the popup menu.
• The properties dialog for .JAR files should open. Navigate to the tab, labeled "General" (should be the default active tab, when opening the dialog).
• Click the button, labeled "Change" next to the entry "Opens with".
• A new dialog should appear. Select the "Java(TM) Platform SE binary" (or similar) entry from the list of suggested applications.
• Click "Ok" on both dialogs to accept the changes.

Java applications should now start properly, when the according .JAR file is doubleclicked.