I have a util class accessing a properties file (storing some constant values). It's not a problem when I run this class in my dos prompt since I set the classpath of the prop file in my development pc.

Problem is after I deploy the .ear to JBoss, The util class can't access the prop file.

Question: what's the proper way for a util class (not ejb, not servlet, etc) to access a properties file? Where do I place the prop file in my directory tree? Or should I use JNDI, if yes, how?

I don't want to put the prop file in lib/ext or the same directory as the util class but a separate directory.

Thankyou