I can't seem to be able to register GlassFish from NetBeans, why?

If you are using NetBeans (version 5.5.x or 6.0) and the IDE doesn't seem to recognize a GlassFish installation, it is probably because you've forgotten to run 'ant setup.xml' which creates a default domain. NetBeans registers specific domains, not an entire GlassFish binary install.

Another likely cause is the following: you are using bits that were installed by another user... typically root... and you do not have write permission for the default domains. DO NOT CHANGE THE PERMISSIONS OR OWNERSHIP OF THE DEFAULT DOMAINS. Use the 'Create Personal Domain' option to resolve this kind of permission problem. This blog entry has a description of the Create Personal Domain option.