Web Start Notes

Web Start is Sun's technology for launching Java applications from the desktop or or a web browser. It is installed when you install Java, which should also configure your browser to recognize jnlp files. From the desktop, double-clicking on a jnlp file should launch the application using Web Start.

On Windows, Web Start is typically installed into c:\Program Files\Java Web Start\javaws.exe.  (Web Start will also be available from the Start menu)  On Linux, look in $JAVA_HOME/javaws/javaws.

If the Quick Launch link downloads a .jnlp file to local disk

If the Quick Launch link prompts you to save a file to disk, your browser is not configured to recognize the necessary file type. Choose Open With and browse to the Java Web Start program. Alternatively, simply double-click on the downloaded .jnlp file.

Running offline

You may run VASSAL without using a browser or even being connected to the internet. On Windows, Java Web Start will ask if you want to create a shortcut on your desktop to launch VASSAL. On Mac-OS-X/Linux, you can launch VASSAL directly with the command line

$JAVA_HOME/javaws/javaws http://www.vassalengine.org/ws/vassal.jnlp

If you miss the prompt to create a shortcut, follow these steps:
  1. Run "Java Web Start" from the Start menu. 
  2. From the menu, select "View" and then "Downloaded Applications".
  3. Double click on the VASSAL icon in the applications window and JSW should ask if you wish to create a shortcut. Say Yes.

Uninstalling

VASSAL does not make any modifications to the Windows registry. It creates a folder named VASSAL in your home (Documents) directory, which can be deleted by hand or by clicking here.  To force a clean re-load of the Web Start files, follow these steps:
  1. Run Java Web Start from the Start menu.
  2. Click on the VASSAL icon
  3. In the Application menu, select "Remove Application"
  4. To really really force a clean install, select File->Preferences->Advanced->Clear Folder