Game Client



The Windows client is an open source RuneScape launcher, built by Jagex. The client is designed to compensate for those who do not have Java installed or those who are having issues with Java. Since Jagex updated the client to its' current state, they have released the source code to the public in accordance to the GPL version 2 license of OpenJDK. The project began on 20 January 2010 and was launched on 25 May 2010. As of 7 September 2010, the current release is version 1.0.4.

Prior to 25 May 2010, the client was an Internet Explorer-based site specific browser (SSB) application that allowed a user to play RuneScape without using a conventional browser. It is the only RuneScape-related software authorised by Jagex. Using other software (such as SwiftKit) does not go against the Rules of RuneScape, but is not recommended for use by Jagex. Version 1.0.0.5 was the last stable release by Jagex.

The official client may be downloaded at Downloads and Wallpapers section of the RuneScape website. Unfortunately the client is not available for download in some states in the US due to legal reasons.

Troubleshooting
If users are having problems with the Windows Client, they are recommended to try following these steps in order and see if they can resolve their problem. This is most likely to do with a personal firewall which is blocking the Windows Client from accessing the internet. Users will have to allow the program "runescape.exe" or "JagexLauncher.exe" access to the internet in order for it to work. This is because users are running an old version of Internet Explorer. Users should visit Microsoft Windows Update to download the latest version. This is because users have been using Sun Java to play RuneScape but have a bugged version of Microsoft Java installed. RuneScape will work in the Windows Client if one of these two things is done:
 * When the Windows Client loads, I get a page saying "Page cannot be displayed"
 * I don't get a scrollbar
 * The website appears but the game itself won't work
 * On the detail select page, always select "Signed Applet Using Sun Java" from the drop down options before selecting the appropriate detail option.
 * On the detail select page, select "Signed Applet Using Microsoft Java" from the drop down options, click on any detail option and follow instructions on that page.
 * Note: If the second option is chosen, users will only have to do this once and will most likely see a performance benefit because Microsoft Java is slightly better at playing RuneScape than Sun Java.
 * When clicking on the map, the screen goes black, as if loading, but never loads.
 * Click on the screen, and if it doesn't load, open another program to minimise it. If that doesn't work then just exit the program and restart it.

Changelog

 * 1.0.0 - Initial release.
 * 1.0.1 - Fixed bug where Vista and 7 users need to disable UAC to be able to install client, added an options bar with a language setting on top.
 * 1.0.2 - Uses its own interface instead of the default Windows style for the language setting. Client automatically removes the languages menu and copyright notification upon log in.
 * 1.0.4 - Client scrollbar changed.

Other information
Previously, if you dragged a desktop icon of a website on the client, the program could be used to browse any website. This was helpful for people with low-end computers wanting to use fan-made guides while playing RuneScape. Because the client was based off Internet Explorer, it should not have been used for browsing sites that might be infected with IE security hole exploits.