How To Fix WSTI042 - Internal error: Java Applet for the file selection could not be started

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WSTI - Messages about Store Workbench, Physical Inventory

• Message number: 042

• Message text: Internal error: Java Applet for the file selection could not be started

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WSTI042 - Internal error: Java Applet for the file selection could not be started ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WSTI042 Internal error: Java Applet for the file selection could not be started
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when SAP GUI or the SAP Web Dynpro application tries to launch a Java applet for file selection (e.g., uploading or downloading files) but fails. The main reasons include:
  
  Java Runtime Environment (JRE) issues: The required Java version is not installed, outdated, or incompatible.
  Browser or SAP GUI security settings: Modern browsers and SAP GUI versions have tightened security, often blocking Java applets.
  Java applet support discontinued: Many browsers have dropped support for Java applets (NPAPI plugins), making it impossible to run Java applets in the browser.
  Incorrect SAP GUI or Web Dynpro configuration: The SAP GUI or Web Dynpro application might be configured to use Java applets for file selection, which is no longer supported.
  Missing or corrupted Java cache or temporary files.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Java Installation:
  
  Ensure that the correct version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on the client machine.
  SAP often requires a specific Java version; check SAP notes or documentation for the recommended version.
  Update or reinstall Java if necessary.
  
  
  
  Use SAP GUI for Windows Instead of Browser:
  
  Since modern browsers no longer support Java applets, use the SAP GUI for Windows client to perform file selection tasks.
  SAP GUI for Windows has native file selection dialogs that do not rely on Java applets.
  
  
  
  Update SAP GUI and Web Dynpro Components:
  
  Upgrade to the latest SAP GUI version, which may have replaced Java applets with HTML5 or native dialogs.
  Check for SAP Notes related to WSTI042 or file upload/download issues and apply recommended patches or configuration changes.
  
  
  
  Clear Java Cache:
  
  Open the Java Control Panel.
  Under the General tab, click on "Settings" under Temporary Internet Files.
  Click "Delete Files" to clear the Java cache.
  Restart the SAP GUI or browser and try again.
  
  
  
  Adjust Security Settings:
  
  Lower Java security settings temporarily to allow the applet to run (not recommended for production environments).
  Add the SAP server URL to the Java Exception Site List in the Java Control Panel.
  
  
  
  Switch to HTML5 File Upload (if available):
  
  Newer SAP Web Dynpro applications or Fiori apps use HTML5-based file upload dialogs that do not require Java.
  Check if the application can be configured to use HTML5 upload instead of Java applets.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Search SAP Support Portal for notes related to WSTI042.
  Example SAP Note: 1788103 - "Java applet for file selection cannot be started"
  Follow the instructions or patches provided.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  SAP GUI and Java Applets:
  
  SAP GUI for Windows does not rely on Java applets for file selection, but Web Dynpro Java applications historically did. Due to security and browser changes, Java applets are deprecated.
  
  
  Browser Support:
  
  Most modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) have dropped support for NPAPI plugins, including Java applets, since around 2015-2017.
  
  
  SAP Fiori and HTML5:
  
  SAP Fiori apps use HTML5 and do not require Java applets, providing a more modern and secure user experience.
  
  
  SAP Notes and KB Articles:
  
  Always check the SAP ONE Support Launchpad for the latest notes and patches related to this error.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Java applet for file selection cannot start due to missing/incompatible Java or browser restrictions.
  
  
  Solution
  Install/update Java, use SAP GUI for Windows, clear Java cache, update SAP components, switch to HTML5 upload, check SAP Notes.
  
  
  Related Info
  Java applets deprecated in browsers, SAP GUI native dialogs preferred, SAP Fiori uses HTML5.
  
  
  
  
  If you continue to experience issues, consider contacting your SAP Basis or Frontend support team to verify client environment setup or escalate to SAP Support with detailed logs.