Resolving WebSphere Application Server V7.0 and V6.1 graphical install wizard start-up issues on Linux

Symptom

WebSphere Application Server V7.0 and V6.1 can be installed using a graphical interface called the installation wizard. In order to use this graphical mode, the Linux system needs to be capable of displaying graphics using X windows. The Linux system administrator can configure graphics to display on a local terminal or on a remotely connected X windows client.

In order for the product installer to be able to take advantage of X windows, certain packages should be installed on the Linux system. If a necessary package is missing, the installer might not start up. In such cases, the installation program will display a message on the terminal:

The installer is unable to run in graphical mode. Try running the installer with the -console or -silent flag.

Note that under some circumstances, the V6.1 installer might not display this error message. In that case, attempt to start the installer using this command, to see if it produces the message listed above:

./install -is:javaconsole

The installation log might also show this error message:

com.installshield.wizard.StandardWizardListener, err, could not initialize interface swing
In addition, the log or console might also show this exception:
Process, com.installshield.wizard.StandardWizardListener, dbg, java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: awt (An exception was pending after running JNI_OnLoad)
java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: awt (An exception was pending after running JNI_OnLoad)
java.lang.ClassLoader.loadLibraryWithPath(ClassLoader.java:993)
java.lang.ClassLoader.loadLibraryWithClassLoader(ClassLoader.java:962)
java.lang.System.loadLibrary(System.java:465)
[...truncated for brevity...]


Note:

• The error message mentions the "-console" flag as an alternative solution. Avoid using "-console". Use the "-silent" flag instead. See the alternative solutions section below for more details.
  
  
• This error message can occur for the WebSphere Application Server installer for other versions of the product, and on other operating systems as well. Consult with the operating system's administrator if the WebSphere Application Server installer encounters issues with X11 libraries or X windows on other operating systems to ensure that the graphical capabilities / X windows are working properly.