run java .jar file on startup without user interfering

I would like to know how I could run a jar file every time I startup without any user interfering (such as placing the jar file in the startup folder).

May be I m still a beginner and I m not understanding the question, but what startup? What jar?

Please do a search through the fora; a similar question comes up about once a month.

Originally posted by Devasia Manuel:
I would like to know how I could run a jar file every time I startup without any user interfering (such as placing the jar file in the startup folder).

By startup, do you mean when the machine first starts up or when you actually log in ? Also what operating system are you using ?

Originally posted by Campbell Ritchie:
Please do a search through the fora; a similar question comes up about once a month.

Something like this one.

That looks an excellent thread, Amit, thank you. Typical JavaRanch stuff. Two useful posts then it disintegrates into banter between the staff

I am using the Windows XP OS, and when I mean startup, I mean every time the computer boots. For example, if I shut down the computer then reboot it, he jar file should run.

I know how to do this quite easily by putting the jar file in the startup directory but I would like more advanced means of doing it.
[ November 07, 2008: Message edited by: Devasia Manuel ]

You need to set your jar file up to run as a Windows Service. There are several programs that will do this for you. Search for Windows Services Wrapper

Originally posted by Campbell Ritchie:
That looks an excellent thread, Amit, thank you. Typical JavaRanch stuff. Two useful posts then it disintegrates into banter between the staff

Wouldn't all the methods listed above mean the user interfering...I am thinking more on the lines on letting java create a registry entry that would make the program run on startup. Is that possible with java?

I think it means without the user having to take any action to start the application.

I meant without the user having to do anything to start the application and make it run on startup

Create a batch file that executes the java -jar myapp.jar command. Put this batch file in Window's Startup folder.

Originally posted by Devasia Manuel:
I meant without the user having to do anything to start the application and make it run on startup

What Joanne Neal said. Make the application into a service and configure it to run automatically.

Yes, this probably requires some registry entries or something like that. But you don't need to use Java to set up the service.

I think the batch file method looks more appealing to me...How exactly do I make a batch file that will allow me to run the program

Don't know.

But try:and save it as Foo.bat.

If it's a windowed application, creating a Windows shortcut may be a bit better. It's basically the same as the BAT file contents but replace java.exe with javaw.exe. This way no DOS box will be shown.

Good idea, Rob. I forgot about javaw.

I get it now, I think I'll just stick to .bat files.

Thanks for your help everybody!!!

You're welcome

It's always nice to hear somebody has got their application to work.