64-bit Java Installation Issues with Oracle JDK 1.7.0_79 on Windows: Troubleshooting Steps

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Introduction

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This article provides guidance for resolving installation problems related to 64-bit versions of the Java Development Kit (JDK) or Java Runtime Environment (JRE), specifically focusing on issues encountered while attempting to install Oracle JDK version 1.7.0_79 on a Windows operating system.

Symptoms and Causes

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### Symptoms

* Installation fails with an error message indicating that 'Java VM: Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (24.111-b13 mixed mode windows-amd64 compressed oops)' is not recognized as a valid Win32 application.

* The installation process hangs or crashes without completing.

### Causes

1. Incompatible or corrupted JDK/JRE installer:

* Downloading the incorrect version of Java for your operating system architecture (x86 vs x64) can lead to this issue.

* Corrupted downloads may also cause problems during installation.

2. Conflicting or outdated versions of Java Development Kit/Java Runtime Environment installed on the system:

### Troubleshooting Steps

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1. Uninstall all existing JDK and JRE installations:

- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs for Windows XP).

- Locate 'Oracle Java 7 Update 'version'' or any other versions of Oracle JDK/JRE.

- Select the entries, then click on Uninstall.

2. Clear temporary files and cache:

* Press + R to open Run dialog box.

* Type `arp -c*` and press Enter. This will display all existing entries in the ARP (Autostart Programs) registry key.

* Look for any Java-related items, right-click on them, then select Delete.

3. Download and install a fresh copy of Oracle JDK 1.7.0_79:

* Go to 'Oracle's official download page'(https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/jdk-7u80-fcs-b01.html#download) for the correct architecture (x64 bit).

* Click on 'jdk' instead of 'jre' if you want both JDK and JRE.

4. Add Java bin directory to System Path:

1. Right-click on Start button > Properties.

2. In the left pane, click on Environment Variables:

- If there is no variable named `PATH`, create one by clicking New.

- Then add the path to where you installed JDK's 'bin' folder (for example: C:\Program Files\Oracle\jdk1.7.0_79\jre\bin) at the top of its value, then click OK.

5. Restart your system and try running Java again:

* After completing these steps, restart your computer to ensure that any changes take effect.

* Attempting to launch a Java application should now succeed without encountering errors related to unrecognized or missing DLLs.

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By following the above troubleshooting procedures carefully, you can resolve most issues associated with installing 64-bit versions of Oracle JDK on Windows operating systems. Remember always to download from official sources and ensure compatibility between different components during installation for smooth operation. If problems persist after attempting these solutions, consider seeking further assistance from Java community forums or contacting Oracle support directly.

64 bit java 1.7.0_79