On Windows Vista and Windows 7, the NetBackup Java Administration Console disappears after launching

On Windows Vista and Windows 7, after clicking on the NetBackup - Java Version x.x shortcut under Start > All Programs > VERITAS NetBackup, a cmd window will rapidly flash open and disappear and the Java GUI will not launch.

Resolution:
This behavior happens because of new security architecture in Windows Vista and Windows 7 called User Access Control.  Starting with Windows Vista, it is possible to launch a shortcut in two ways: with user rights or run as administrator.  If a shortcut is launched with user rights, the Start In parameter specified in the shortcut properties is honored.  If run as administrator is used, the Start In parameter is not honored.   The NetBackup Java console requires run as administrator.

The consequence of not honoring the Start In parameter is the underlying nbjava.bat file is launched in the cmd window from C:\windows\system32 instead of <install_path>\VERITAS\Java.   The script attempts to run various commands, which all fail due to the incorrect path, and the cmd window exits.  This all happens so quickly that a user simply sees a cmd window momentarily flash on screen and disappear.

There are 4 possible workarounds which can be invoked to resolve this.
Note: Option 1 is recommended.

1. Edit the nbjava.bat file by adding a new first line which changes the current working directory to the correct location:
 

Example 1:

cd C:\Program Files\VERITAS\Java

 

Example 2:

E:

cd E:\Program Files\VERITAS\Java

 

2. When launching the Java Console, rt-click the 'NetBackup - Java Version xx' icon and select "Run as administrator"

3. Disable User Access Control via User Accounts:
 

To turn on or off User Access Control, navigate into Control Panel > User Accounts.    

 

Click on the property called Turn User Account Control on or off.

 

Uncheck the box next to Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer.

 

Note: This modification impacts all users and a reboot of the Vista server is required for this change to become effective.

 

4. Disable User Access Control via Group Policy Editor:
 

Launch the Group Policy Editor by going to Start > Run > gpedit.msc

 

Drill down into Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

 

Find the setting named User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode and change it from Enabled to Disabled.

 

Note: This modification impacts all users and a reboot of the Vista server is required for this change to become effective.

 

Disabling User Account Control using either option 2 or 3 above will allow the shortcut to be launched with run as administrator, yet honor the Start In parameter in the shortcut properties.

In a future release update, it is expected that a solution closer to option 1 will be implemented and the nbjava.bat file will be modified to avoid this issue.