A method for updating values within the contents of a JAVA Archive (JAR) file without altering the JAR file structure. The present invention comprises a Smart Archive Program (SAP) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for implementing the SAP. The SAP creates a temporary directory in a computer's memory and stores the JAR file structure in the memory. The SAP then extracts the JAR file content into the temporary directory and allows the user to update the field values within the JAR file content. When the user has finished updating the field values in the JAR file content, the SAP archives the JAR file content into a new JAR file according to the JAR file structure stored in memory. Consequently, the present invention is able to update the field values within the JAR file content without altering the JAR file structure.