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Clearing Sierra Jarcache

Clearing Sierra Jarcache

Every time you log in to Sierra, the desktop client you are running refers to a file on the Sierra server to confirm that your client is up to date and running the correct configuration. This information is transmitted in the jar files that are stored locally on your computer. During this check, the Sierra client needs to have very stable communication back to the Sierra server, otherwise, it can have trouble downloading the correct jars and may end up with duplicates of some files, and missing other files. 

Whenever the client and server are not in sync, you may encounter issues such as loan rules not applying correctly or fields in records displaying in the incorrect order. However, it can be anything and anywhere in Sierra. Sometimes, you can get lucky and have extra jar files and not notice any issues. Marmot staff computers have a direct connection to the server, rather than relying on the internet, so we receive exactly what the server has to offer in terms of files. This means that Marmot can verify how many files should be in the jarcache.

Sierra 6.3 should have 78 files in the jarcache. However, it is possible to have 78 files and still encounter a problem. If you have more or fewer files, you should refresh.

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Things to consider when you are starting your Sierra sessions:

  • WiFi can cause instability between the client and server, resulting in corruption of the JAR cache.

    • Wired internet connections are preferred at least until you are logged in.

  • Is your internet connection generally stable?

    • The connection between the client and server is very fragile. Minor blips in your internet connection can cause problems in the jarcache.

  • Have you cleaned out your jarcache since we did a Sierra upgrade?

    • Jarfiles change with each new Sierra upgrade.

  • Possibility of a VPN?

    • We have been successful with other sites, creating a stable connection to Sierra by implementing a VPN. If problems persist, this may be worth exploring further.

It doesn’t hurt to check your jarcache periodically if you can remember. Most of the time, we instruct people to check it when issues are occurring as the first step in troubleshooting.

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Jarcache FAQS

What is the Sierra jarcache?
The Sierra jarcache runs Sierra. The jarcache contains a specified number of files. However, this number can change at any time with a Sierra upgrade.  To determine the exact number of files, please get in touch with Marmot.

Why would I clear the jarcache? 

The jarcache should be cleared for the following reasons:

  • If Sierra is running slower than usual.

  • If you have trouble logging into Sierra.

  • Trouble with Sierra functions that used to work usually.

  • When a problem occurs with Sierra, it only affects a specific computer, regardless of who logs into Sierra.

Will I need to do this for everyone's Sierra login?
No. Clearing the jarcache is related to the computer and not the Sierra login. Once the jarcache is cleared, anyone can log into Sierra.

Note: ExpressLane self-checks are the same as regular Sierra desktop stations and require their jarcache to be checked periodically.

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How to clear Sierra Jarcache on a PC

While logged into Sierra, click on Help and About

Screenshot of the Sierra highlighting the Help and About links.

Click on the Clear JAR Cache button.

Screenshot of Sierra highlighting Clear JAR Cache button.

What is the function of the Clear JAR Cache button?

  • The system will automatically remove any local jar file that does not have a corresponding entry in the jar cache.

  • It will remove any Sierra entry that has not been used in the last 3 months.

  • It will remove any local file entry from the jar cache and its corresponding local jar file that is not referenced by a Sierra entry.

The Clear JAR Cache? box will appear. It’s optional to add the reason for clearing your JAR cache. Click Yes to clear the jar cache.

Screenshot of Sierra highlighting the Clear JAR Cache box.

Why enter the reason for clearing your JAR cache

  • If you are clearing the jar cache manually, please provide the reason for doing so, as this will be used for future debugging and development to help Innovative understand why you need to clear the jar cache.

The Clear JAR Cache box will display a message indicating that the JAR cache will be cleared. The following pop-up says the jar cache has been cleared, and new jars will be downloaded upon restart. The files do not disappear immediately; they only disappear when the client is restarted.

image-20250422-205633.png

You will have to click out of the About Sierra box and restart Sierra.

Screenshot of Sierra highlighting the About Sierra box.
Screenshot of Sierra highlighting the exit screen.

 

 

Login screens for MLN1 and MLN2 libraries. Once all the new jar files are downloaded, you can sign back into Sierra.

Screenshot of Sierra highlighting the login screen.
Screenshot of Sierra highlighting the login screen.

You can double-check your work by looking at your jar files in the Windows (C:) drive.

  • Go to your computer to see your C: Drive

  • Double-click on the folder Sierra Desktop App

  • Double-click on the folder jarcache

  • All the jar files should have the date you cleared them.

Screenshot of the C drive highlighting the jar files list.

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How to clear Sierra Jarcache on a Mac

  1. While logged into Sierra, click on Help and About

  2. Click on the Clear JAR Cache button.

  3. The Clear JAR Cache? box will appear. It is optional to add a reason for clearing your JAR cache. Click Yes to clear the jar cache.

    1. If you are clearing the jar cache manually, please provide the reason for doing so, as this will be used for future debugging and development to help Innovative understand why you need to clear the jar cache.

  4. The Clear JAR Cache box will display a message indicating that the JAR cache will be cleared. The following pop-up says the jar cache has been cleared, and new jars will be downloaded upon restart. The files do not disappear immediately; they only disappear when the client is restarted.

  5. You will have to click out of the About Sierra box and restart Sierra.

  6. Once all the new jar files are downloaded, you can sign back into Sierra.

  7. You can double-check your work by looking at your jar files in the Windows (C:) drive.

    • Go to your computer to see your C: Drive

    • Double-click on the folder Sierra Desktop App

    • Double-click on the folder jarcache

    • All the jar files should have the date you cleared them.

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How to clear Sierra Jarcache Video

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How to manually clear Sierra Jarcache on a PC

  1. Make sure you are entirely out of the Sierra program

  2. Click on your file folder to get to your Local Disk C:
    Note: For older computers, you may need to go to MyComputer or Computer to see your C: Drive

  3. Double-click on the folder Sierra Desktop App

  4. Double-click on the folder jarcache

  5. Use Ctrl-A to highlight all the files

  6. Right-click to bring up the option to delete

  7. Click delete

    1. This should clear all the files

  8. Open Sierra

    1. It may take a few minutes longer for the jars to load

  9. Log in to Sierra

  10. All the jar files should now have the date you cleared them.

  11. Contact Marmot if you have questions marmothelp@marmot.org

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How to manually clear Sierra Jarcache on a Mac

  1. Make sure you are entirely out of the Sierra program

  2. Open your Applications folder

  3. Double-click on the folder Sierra Desktop App

  4. Double-click on the folder jarcache

  5. Use Command-A to highlight all the files

  6. Right-click to bring up the option menu

  7. Click on Move to Trash

  8. Open Sierra

  9. It may take a few minutes longer for the jars to load

  10. Log in to Sierra

  11. All the jar files should now have the date you cleared them.

  12. Contact Marmot if you have questions marmothelp@marmot.org

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