I think first you should update SpringDeployer (SD) to use version 3.1. Follow simple instructions from here: - http://www.jboss.org/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&t=126475 If that doesn't work against AS_5.0.1 let me know and I'll do a new release. Your exception actually looks like it's not SD related, but it's some issue with application.xml. Once you update SD and you still get this exception I think it's better if you post it to JBoss5 forum. View the original post : http://www.jboss.org/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&p=4225088#... Reply to the post : http://www.jboss.org/index.html?module=bb&op=posting&mode=reply&a...