On this page

• Overview
• Issue
• Resolution
  • Additional configuration for Mac computers

Overview

When using Java 7 update 51 or later, you may need to change some Java security settings to allow certain UW-Madison applications to run.

This document will walk you through the steps of two commonly needed changes:

1. Changing the Java security level
2. Adding URLs to the Java Security Exception Site List

Issue

When attempting to run some UW-Madison applications, you get error messages similar to the following:

Resolution

1. Open the Java Control Panel.

   • Windows (Microsoft)

     1. Open the Start menu by selecting the Windows icon in the corner of the screen or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
     2. Type "Configure Java" and select the Configure Java application from the search results to launch the Java Control Panel.
        
        

        

   • macOS (Apple)

     1. Select the Apple icon in the macOS menu bar (often in the top left corner).
     2. Select System Settings or System Preferences (depending on your computer's version of macOS).
     3. Select the Java option.
        
        

        

   Note: If you cannot find the Configure Java application, you might not have Java installed on your computer. You may install Java from Java's website. You might need to work with your local IT team to install Java if you do not have administrator access to your computer.

2. In the Java Control Panel, select the Security tab.
   
   
3. If the security level setting is set to Very High, select the High option instead.
   
   

   
   
   

4. Select the Edit Site List... button.
   
   

   

5. In the Exception Site List window, select the Add button.
   
   

   

6. Enter the application's URL.
   
   

   

   UW-Madison Java application URLs

   The URL for many UW-Madison Java applications is:

   https://ofr01.doit.wisc.edu/

   Refer to Java - Compatible Versions for UW Services for information on UW-Madison Java applications.

7. Select the OK button in the Exception Site List window.
   
   
8. Select the OK button in the Java Control Panel.

Even after changing these Java security settings, you may still receive a Security Warning pop-up when you attempt to open a UW-Madison Java application. Make sure the URL listed after Locations is one that you recognize, then it is safe to run the application. If there is an option to "always trust" or "don't ask again", you may select that option to avoid future warnings.

Additional configuration for Mac computers

The Mac operating system macOS has strict controls for which applications will run. As a result, you might need to do additional configuration to allow UW-Madison Java applications to run.

1. If you receive an error saying a UW-Madison Java application cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, you will need to give permission for macOS to open it.
   
   

   

2. Open System Settings and navigate to the Privacy & Security section. Scroll to the Security section and select the Open Anyway button to open frmservlet.jnlp.
   
   

   

3. Select Open to confirm opening the UW-Madison Java application.