Forge saved as .jar but opens like it's a .zip

Posted September 28, 20196 yr

I downloaded the file from www.minecraftforge.net.

There is no error message because when I click the file it opens like it's a zip folder.

The file says that it's a .jar file but for some reason it's opening and acting as if it were a zipped folder.

September 29, 20196 yr

Do you have Java installed?

This is my Forum Signature, I am currently attempting to transform it into a small guide for fixing easier issues using spoiler blocks to keep things tidy.

As the most common issue I feel I should put this outside the main bulk:

The only official source for Forge is https://files.minecraftforge.net, and the only site I trust for getting mods is CurseForge.

If you use any site other than these, please take a look at the StopModReposts project and install their browser extension, I would also advise running a virus scan.

For players asking for assistance with Forge please expand the spoiler below and read the appropriate section(s) in its/their entirety.

Spoiler

Logs (Most issues require logs to diagnose):

Spoiler

Please post logs using one of the following sites (Thank you Lumber Wizard for the list):

https://gist.github.com/: 100MB Requires member (Free)

https://pastebin.com/: 512KB as guest, 10MB as Pro ($$$)

https://hastebin.com/: 400KB

Do NOT use sites like Mediafire, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or a site that has a countdown before offering downloads.

What to provide:

...for Crashes and Runtime issues:

Minecraft 1.14.4 and newer:

Post debug.log

Older versions:

Please update...

...for Installer Issues:

Post your installer log, found in the same place you ran the installer

This log will be called either installer.log or named the same as the installer but with .log on the end

Note for Windows users:

Windows hides file extensions by default so the installer may appear without the .jar extension then when the .log is added the log will appear with the .jar extension

Where to get it:

Mojang Launcher: When using the Mojang launcher debug.log is found in .minecraft\logs.

Curse/Overwolf: If you are using the Curse Launcher, their configurations break Forge's log settings, fortunately there is an easier workaround than I originally thought, this works even with Curse's installation of the Minecraft launcher as long as it is not launched THROUGH Twitch:

Spoiler

Make sure you have the correct version of Forge installed (some packs are heavily dependent on one specific build of Forge)
Make a launcher profile targeting this version of Forge.
Set the launcher profile's GameDir property to the pack's instance folder (not the instances folder, the folder that has the pack's name on it).
Now launch the pack through that profile and follow the "Mojang Launcher" instructions above.

Video:

Spoiler

or alternately,

Fallback ("No logs are generated"):

If you don't see logs generated in the usual place, provide the launcher_log.txt from .minecraft

Server Not Starting:

Spoiler

If your server does not start or a command window appears and immediately goes away, run the jar manually and provide the output.

Reporting Illegal/Inappropriate Adfocus Ads:

Spoiler

Get a screenshot of the URL bar or copy/paste the whole URL into a thread on the General Discussion board with a description of the Ad.

Lex will need the Ad ID contained in that URL to report it to Adfocus' support team.

Posting your mod as a GitHub Repo:

Spoiler

When you have an issue with your mod the most helpful thing you can do when asking for help is to provide your code to those helping you. The most convenient way to do this is via GitHub or another source control hub.

When setting up a GitHub Repo it might seem easy to just upload everything, however this method has the potential for mistakes that could lead to trouble later on, it is recommended to use a Git client or to get comfortable with the Git command line. The following instructions will use the Git Command Line and as such they assume you already have it installed and that you have created a repository.

Open a command prompt (CMD, Powershell, Terminal, etc).
Navigate to the folder you extracted Forge’s MDK to (the one that had all the licenses in).
Run the following commands:
1. git init
2. git remote add origin [Your Repository's URL]
  - In the case of GitHub it should look like: https://GitHub.com/[Your Username]/[Repo Name].git
3. git fetch
4. git checkout --track origin/master
5. git stage *
6. git commit -m "[Your commit message]"
7. git push
Navigate to GitHub and you should now see most of the files.
- note that it is intentional that some are not synced with GitHub and this is done with the (hidden) .gitignore file that Forge’s MDK has provided (hence the strictness on which folder git init is run from)
Now you can share your GitHub link with those who you are asking for help.

[Workaround line, please ignore]

September 29, 20196 yr

Author

Yes I do and I've tried making it open with every .exe in the Java folder already. I've even tried with the .exe that's in the minecraft folder.

I get a command window that immediately closes itself.

September 30, 20196 yr

Run it manually from the command line and tell us what it says.

This is my Forum Signature, I am currently attempting to transform it into a small guide for fixing easier issues using spoiler blocks to keep things tidy.

As the most common issue I feel I should put this outside the main bulk:

The only official source for Forge is https://files.minecraftforge.net, and the only site I trust for getting mods is CurseForge.

If you use any site other than these, please take a look at the StopModReposts project and install their browser extension, I would also advise running a virus scan.

For players asking for assistance with Forge please expand the spoiler below and read the appropriate section(s) in its/their entirety.

Spoiler

Logs (Most issues require logs to diagnose):

Spoiler

Please post logs using one of the following sites (Thank you Lumber Wizard for the list):

https://gist.github.com/: 100MB Requires member (Free)

https://pastebin.com/: 512KB as guest, 10MB as Pro ($$$)

https://hastebin.com/: 400KB

Do NOT use sites like Mediafire, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or a site that has a countdown before offering downloads.

What to provide:

...for Crashes and Runtime issues:

Minecraft 1.14.4 and newer:

Post debug.log

Older versions:

Please update...

...for Installer Issues:

Post your installer log, found in the same place you ran the installer

This log will be called either installer.log or named the same as the installer but with .log on the end

Note for Windows users:

Windows hides file extensions by default so the installer may appear without the .jar extension then when the .log is added the log will appear with the .jar extension

Where to get it:

Mojang Launcher: When using the Mojang launcher debug.log is found in .minecraft\logs.

Curse/Overwolf: If you are using the Curse Launcher, their configurations break Forge's log settings, fortunately there is an easier workaround than I originally thought, this works even with Curse's installation of the Minecraft launcher as long as it is not launched THROUGH Twitch:

Spoiler

Make sure you have the correct version of Forge installed (some packs are heavily dependent on one specific build of Forge)
Make a launcher profile targeting this version of Forge.
Set the launcher profile's GameDir property to the pack's instance folder (not the instances folder, the folder that has the pack's name on it).
Now launch the pack through that profile and follow the "Mojang Launcher" instructions above.

Video:

Spoiler

or alternately,

Fallback ("No logs are generated"):

If you don't see logs generated in the usual place, provide the launcher_log.txt from .minecraft

Server Not Starting:

Spoiler

If your server does not start or a command window appears and immediately goes away, run the jar manually and provide the output.

Reporting Illegal/Inappropriate Adfocus Ads:

Spoiler

Get a screenshot of the URL bar or copy/paste the whole URL into a thread on the General Discussion board with a description of the Ad.

Lex will need the Ad ID contained in that URL to report it to Adfocus' support team.

Posting your mod as a GitHub Repo:

Spoiler

When you have an issue with your mod the most helpful thing you can do when asking for help is to provide your code to those helping you. The most convenient way to do this is via GitHub or another source control hub.

When setting up a GitHub Repo it might seem easy to just upload everything, however this method has the potential for mistakes that could lead to trouble later on, it is recommended to use a Git client or to get comfortable with the Git command line. The following instructions will use the Git Command Line and as such they assume you already have it installed and that you have created a repository.

Open a command prompt (CMD, Powershell, Terminal, etc).
Navigate to the folder you extracted Forge’s MDK to (the one that had all the licenses in).
Run the following commands:
1. git init
2. git remote add origin [Your Repository's URL]
  - In the case of GitHub it should look like: https://GitHub.com/[Your Username]/[Repo Name].git
3. git fetch
4. git checkout --track origin/master
5. git stage *
6. git commit -m "[Your commit message]"
7. git push
Navigate to GitHub and you should now see most of the files.
- note that it is intentional that some are not synced with GitHub and this is done with the (hidden) .gitignore file that Forge’s MDK has provided (hence the strictness on which folder git init is run from)
Now you can share your GitHub link with those who you are asking for help.

[Workaround line, please ignore]

October 1, 20196 yr

Author

It says

unrecognized option: -forge-1.14.4-28.1.0-installer.jar

Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine.

Error: A fatal exception has occurred. Program will exit.

October 2, 20196 yr

Author

I typed:

java -forge-1.14.4-28.1.0-installer.jar

java- forge-1.14.4-28.1.0-installer.jar

java - forge-1.14.4-28.1.0-installer.jar

java forge-1.14.4-28.1.0-installer.jar

none of them worked.

How am I supposed to type it?

October 2, 20196 yr

Did you watch the video I linked?

This is my Forum Signature, I am currently attempting to transform it into a small guide for fixing easier issues using spoiler blocks to keep things tidy.

As the most common issue I feel I should put this outside the main bulk:

The only official source for Forge is https://files.minecraftforge.net, and the only site I trust for getting mods is CurseForge.

If you use any site other than these, please take a look at the StopModReposts project and install their browser extension, I would also advise running a virus scan.

For players asking for assistance with Forge please expand the spoiler below and read the appropriate section(s) in its/their entirety.

Spoiler

Logs (Most issues require logs to diagnose):

Spoiler

Please post logs using one of the following sites (Thank you Lumber Wizard for the list):

https://gist.github.com/: 100MB Requires member (Free)

https://pastebin.com/: 512KB as guest, 10MB as Pro ($$$)

https://hastebin.com/: 400KB

Do NOT use sites like Mediafire, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or a site that has a countdown before offering downloads.

What to provide:

...for Crashes and Runtime issues:

Minecraft 1.14.4 and newer:

Post debug.log

Older versions:

Please update...

...for Installer Issues:

Post your installer log, found in the same place you ran the installer

This log will be called either installer.log or named the same as the installer but with .log on the end

Note for Windows users:

Windows hides file extensions by default so the installer may appear without the .jar extension then when the .log is added the log will appear with the .jar extension

Where to get it:

Mojang Launcher: When using the Mojang launcher debug.log is found in .minecraft\logs.

Curse/Overwolf: If you are using the Curse Launcher, their configurations break Forge's log settings, fortunately there is an easier workaround than I originally thought, this works even with Curse's installation of the Minecraft launcher as long as it is not launched THROUGH Twitch:

Spoiler

Make sure you have the correct version of Forge installed (some packs are heavily dependent on one specific build of Forge)
Make a launcher profile targeting this version of Forge.
Set the launcher profile's GameDir property to the pack's instance folder (not the instances folder, the folder that has the pack's name on it).
Now launch the pack through that profile and follow the "Mojang Launcher" instructions above.

Video:

Spoiler

or alternately,

Fallback ("No logs are generated"):

If you don't see logs generated in the usual place, provide the launcher_log.txt from .minecraft

Server Not Starting:

Spoiler

If your server does not start or a command window appears and immediately goes away, run the jar manually and provide the output.

Reporting Illegal/Inappropriate Adfocus Ads:

Spoiler

Get a screenshot of the URL bar or copy/paste the whole URL into a thread on the General Discussion board with a description of the Ad.

Lex will need the Ad ID contained in that URL to report it to Adfocus' support team.

Posting your mod as a GitHub Repo:

Spoiler

When you have an issue with your mod the most helpful thing you can do when asking for help is to provide your code to those helping you. The most convenient way to do this is via GitHub or another source control hub.

When setting up a GitHub Repo it might seem easy to just upload everything, however this method has the potential for mistakes that could lead to trouble later on, it is recommended to use a Git client or to get comfortable with the Git command line. The following instructions will use the Git Command Line and as such they assume you already have it installed and that you have created a repository.

Open a command prompt (CMD, Powershell, Terminal, etc).
Navigate to the folder you extracted Forge’s MDK to (the one that had all the licenses in).
Run the following commands:
1. git init
2. git remote add origin [Your Repository's URL]
  - In the case of GitHub it should look like: https://GitHub.com/[Your Username]/[Repo Name].git
3. git fetch
4. git checkout --track origin/master
5. git stage *
6. git commit -m "[Your commit message]"
7. git push
Navigate to GitHub and you should now see most of the files.
- note that it is intentional that some are not synced with GitHub and this is done with the (hidden) .gitignore file that Forge’s MDK has provided (hence the strictness on which folder git init is run from)
Now you can share your GitHub link with those who you are asking for help.

[Workaround line, please ignore]

October 2, 20196 yr

Author

Yes and I followed it. That's the file name I got when I went to the folder directory via the command and I typed the command the same way as the video.

October 2, 20196 yr

Author

I figured it out, I was watching the video on the smaller screen and missed one of the words.

It worked but now won't download. I've attached a photo of the pop-up.

October 3, 20196 yr

Please provide your installer log, it will have the same name as the installer but with .log on the end:

Installer: forge-{version}-installer.jar

Log: forge-{version}-installer.jar.log

Note: If you have Windows Explorer set to hide file extensions(as is the default setting), they will look like this:

Installer: forge-{version}-installer

Log: forge-{version}-installer.jar

This is my Forum Signature, I am currently attempting to transform it into a small guide for fixing easier issues using spoiler blocks to keep things tidy.

As the most common issue I feel I should put this outside the main bulk:

The only official source for Forge is https://files.minecraftforge.net, and the only site I trust for getting mods is CurseForge.

If you use any site other than these, please take a look at the StopModReposts project and install their browser extension, I would also advise running a virus scan.

For players asking for assistance with Forge please expand the spoiler below and read the appropriate section(s) in its/their entirety.

Spoiler

Logs (Most issues require logs to diagnose):

Spoiler

Please post logs using one of the following sites (Thank you Lumber Wizard for the list):

https://gist.github.com/: 100MB Requires member (Free)

https://pastebin.com/: 512KB as guest, 10MB as Pro ($$$)

https://hastebin.com/: 400KB

Do NOT use sites like Mediafire, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or a site that has a countdown before offering downloads.

What to provide:

...for Crashes and Runtime issues:

Minecraft 1.14.4 and newer:

Post debug.log

Older versions:

Please update...

...for Installer Issues:

Post your installer log, found in the same place you ran the installer

This log will be called either installer.log or named the same as the installer but with .log on the end

Note for Windows users:

Windows hides file extensions by default so the installer may appear without the .jar extension then when the .log is added the log will appear with the .jar extension

Where to get it:

Mojang Launcher: When using the Mojang launcher debug.log is found in .minecraft\logs.

Curse/Overwolf: If you are using the Curse Launcher, their configurations break Forge's log settings, fortunately there is an easier workaround than I originally thought, this works even with Curse's installation of the Minecraft launcher as long as it is not launched THROUGH Twitch:

Spoiler

Make sure you have the correct version of Forge installed (some packs are heavily dependent on one specific build of Forge)
Make a launcher profile targeting this version of Forge.
Set the launcher profile's GameDir property to the pack's instance folder (not the instances folder, the folder that has the pack's name on it).
Now launch the pack through that profile and follow the "Mojang Launcher" instructions above.

Video:

Spoiler

or alternately,

Fallback ("No logs are generated"):

If you don't see logs generated in the usual place, provide the launcher_log.txt from .minecraft

Server Not Starting:

Spoiler

If your server does not start or a command window appears and immediately goes away, run the jar manually and provide the output.

Reporting Illegal/Inappropriate Adfocus Ads:

Spoiler

Get a screenshot of the URL bar or copy/paste the whole URL into a thread on the General Discussion board with a description of the Ad.

Lex will need the Ad ID contained in that URL to report it to Adfocus' support team.

Posting your mod as a GitHub Repo:

Spoiler

When you have an issue with your mod the most helpful thing you can do when asking for help is to provide your code to those helping you. The most convenient way to do this is via GitHub or another source control hub.

When setting up a GitHub Repo it might seem easy to just upload everything, however this method has the potential for mistakes that could lead to trouble later on, it is recommended to use a Git client or to get comfortable with the Git command line. The following instructions will use the Git Command Line and as such they assume you already have it installed and that you have created a repository.

Open a command prompt (CMD, Powershell, Terminal, etc).
Navigate to the folder you extracted Forge’s MDK to (the one that had all the licenses in).
Run the following commands:
1. git init
2. git remote add origin [Your Repository's URL]
  - In the case of GitHub it should look like: https://GitHub.com/[Your Username]/[Repo Name].git
3. git fetch
4. git checkout --track origin/master
5. git stage *
6. git commit -m "[Your commit message]"
7. git push
Navigate to GitHub and you should now see most of the files.
- note that it is intentional that some are not synced with GitHub and this is done with the (hidden) .gitignore file that Forge’s MDK has provided (hence the strictness on which folder git init is run from)
Now you can share your GitHub link with those who you are asking for help.

[Workaround line, please ignore]

October 6, 20196 yr

Author

I've gotten it figured out, it installed just fine once I got my computer connected to the internet.

Thanks for all your help though.

July 19, 20214 yr

I'm having the same problem. I did download it from files.minecraftforge.net I think the problem may be that some app associated itself with all my archive extensions when I was trying to install Forge. I'm trying to install the version 1.12 of Forge for the BloodMoon mod.

Edited July 19, 20214 yr by Gallienus
update

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Forge saved as .jar but opens like it's a .zip

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