ATF eform Java error?

[coloradokevin]

I'm trying to figure out if I have a problem on my end, or if the ATF is just having another problem on their end.

I registered for the ATF eform system a few nights ago, as I plan to submit electronic Form 1 paperwork (via a trust) for a SBR build.

Anyway, the site let me register originally, and I started filling stuff out for the Form 1. I realized about halfway through the process that I needed some information I didn't have on hand. I saved my work, and exited the program.

Since that time I've tried logging on last night, and multiple times tonight. Each time I get the standard government computer system warning, then directed to the page where you can choose your form. But, I get an error message stating:

"java.lang.NullPointerException"

… and then I can't do anything to complete the form.


Does this error simply mean that the system is down? I'm sure there are some eform experts around here, so I thought you guys might be able to give me some guidance.

FYI: I'm using a Mac with OSX 10.7.5, and running Safari. This is one of their recommended browsers, and as I mentioned, it was working the other day (when I originally registered).

 

[Ryanxia]

Not sure if this is the same on Macs but I would make sure Java is updated, clear your cookies/cache from atf.gov at least and try it then. Wednesdays are maintenance day and the site is usually down but I don't think it typically gives that error.

The other thing you could try is adding atf.gov and the full web address of the eforms site to the exception list in Java security (which would be found in control panel on a PC).

 

[coloradokevin]

Wow… this process was dumb enough to be designed by a government agency (please don't take exception to this statement if you're a government employee… I'm one, too).

Anyway, after playing around with this for most of an afternoon, and determining that the problem was only happening on BOTH of the macs in the house (not on the PC at the local gun shop I frequent, or on my iPhone) I decided to go hunting for a solution. In case any of you run across this problem, here's the solution I found:

1) Set your Safari browser to "private browsing", then continue to the ATF eforms page and log in like normal.

This is the only thing that worked for me, and it has reliably worked that way for me through 4 logins since I discovered that quirk, and still doesn't work when I log in the other way. Presumably it is some kind of cookie/browser history issue.

Apparently I'm not the only one who has encountered this problem in the past, so if you know anyone who comes across it, share that advice!

 

[Glock_10mm]

Cant say for mac but that error comes from it not properly having you logged into the system. Try downloading the curent firefox and current java. Its what currently works on windows if you cannot run ie 8.

Download every browser you can and get as far in a form as you can, then save, then try and pick up on another browser...sometimes you have to play around. Its because java and browser updats are so frequent that the system constantly has script errors.

With enough perseverence you find a combo that works today, and then register everything you can. Dont try and spread it over days if its working for you or it may stop one day and frustrate you until you find a new way.

Been around this block a time or two.

Built an entire windows xp vm just to get it to run ie 8 and boom it worked perfectly, but the latest firefox seems to work with win 7...but this is a newer discovery.