FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.7.0_45"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_45-b18)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 24.45-b08, mixed mode)

AND 32-bit:

java version "1.7.0_45"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_45-b18)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 24.45-b08, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
On Win7 with IE9 and both 32 and 64-bit Java installed, on previous releases of 1.7, launching a JNLP from 32-bit Internet Explorer would always use 32-bit Java. As of 1.7.0_45, this is no longer the case--the 64-bit version gets used.

This is a big problem for applications which require a PKCS#11 library (for smart card logins) that is currently only available in 32-bit Java.

 

REGRESSION. Last worked in version 7u21

ADDITIONAL REGRESSION INFORMATION:
java version "1.7.0_21"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_21-b11)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 23.21-b01, mixed mode, sharing)

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Open Internet Explorer 9 32-bit version
launch the following Java Webstart application from within the browser:

http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorialJWS/samples/uiswing/AccessibleScrollDemoProject/AccessibleScrollDemo.jnlp

64-bit JRE will be used under 1.7.0_45
32-bit JRE will be used under 1.7.0-21


EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
32-bit JRE should have been used
ACTUAL -
Console output:

Java Web Start 10.45.2.18
Using JRE version 1.7.0_45-b18 Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
1. Enable webstart application desktop icon installation
2. launch application from IE9 32-bit
3. If application's desktop icon is successfully installed, use the icon to launch the app. If not, open javaws -viewer, right click application, install icon
4. Use desktop icon to launch the app -- it will use 32-bit java like it is supposed to