#3 is preferred, #2 usually also works (but do not ask me under what circumstances #3 would work but #2 would not), and #1 is to be avoided (it uses the master classloader, from what I recall, which will not get properties out of JARs embedded within EAR or WAR files). And yes, placing the properties file within a JAR within the EAR or WAR (or event at WEB-INF/classes within a WAR) is the best place for such files. View the original post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&p=4181607#... Reply to the post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=posting&mode=reply&a...