application-root Attribute in the domain.xml File

You should not modify the default setting in the domain.xml file for the application-root attribute.

The domain element's application-root attribute In the domain.xml file is intended to specify where the server will expand application archives when the user deploys them.

Currently, not all places in Enterprise Server v3 Prelude that should use this attribute do so. Some uses of the attribute assume that applications are to be expanded in ${com.sun.aas.instanceRoot}/applications.