JavaExe

In certain cases, you may need to select a program's .exe file, but if you want to target a Java application, you may not be able to select its executable. There are many reasons why an .exe file is better than a .jar file. Using JavaExe, you can launch any Java application with an .exe file. It enables you to run the application as a Windows program, a service or a control panel. You can change the .exe file's icon, load a splash screen, edit various properties and more.

JavaExe doesn't need to be installed like traditional applications. You just have to extract its files from a 3.66 MB archive. The most important items are three executable files that will make Java applications run as Windows programs. Among these files, you will find a user manual and numerous examples.

To launch a Java application from an .exe file, you will have to copy the JavaExe.exe file to the same folder as the application's .jar file. The .exe file must have the same name as the .jar file, so you will need to rename JavaExe. Once you rename the file, you just need to run it and the Java application will launch.

There is more you can do with JavaExe, before copying and renaming the files. You may run a different executable to bring up a small interface. It contains options for changing JavaExe's icon, loading a splash screen when launching the application and more. Alternatively, you may copy and rename another .exe file. Besides launching the Java application the same way, it will display various information, on a DOS console.

Besides the .exe file, you may copy a .cpl file for a control panel. A properties file is available as well. You can edit this file to specify a minimum Java version that should launch your application and much more. The Java application will be restored automatically when you reboot your computer.