CODEWITHSUNDEEP
javajava-runtime-compiler
monkey123
monkey123

Reputation: 183

Java Error opening registry key 'Software\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment'

When running "java -version" on command prompt Windows 7, i get this:

Error: opening registry key 'Software\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment'
Error: could not find java.dll
Error: Could not find Java SE Runtime Environment.

I have already checked environment variables:

JAVA_HOME = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_212\bin

And PATH includes "%JAVA_HOME%

I have also tried deleting files : java.exe, javaw.exe and javaws.exe in ProgramData\Oracle\JAVA\Javapath However, they won't delete. Even though I am an administrator.

I have also checked C:\Windows\System32 and C:\Windows\SYSWOW64 and didnt find java.exe, javaw.exe or javaws.exe to delete.

What else can I try?

Upvotes: 6

Views: 16208

Answers (3)

user11595728
user11595728

Reputation:

This happened to me when I uninstalled and old Oracle version of Java. The registry key was deleted but a Java executable remained in a hidden folder. For proper cleanup

(on Windows):

where java will reveal the location of the shortcut, e.g., C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe (notice that this is a hidden folder).

Assuming you wanted to get rid of the old Java version, you can delete this folder, and the corresponding path entry.

Upvotes: 2

AshaKantaSharma
AshaKantaSharma

Reputation: 11

This error also comes when the software you are using is of 32-bit and you have a 64-bit version of Java installed which is not compatible with the existing softwares where you want to work. You may also uninstall 64-bit and install the 32-bit version which will resolve the issue.

Upvotes: 1

fiveobjects
fiveobjects

Reputation: 4269

  1. Do you have multiple Java installed?
  2. What is there in registry key? Does the version specified in the registry key match with your JDK/JRE folder name? Use regedit command to open the registry and look for the key you mentioned in your question (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment\CurrentVersion). Cleanup/correct the version if you see a discrepancy.
  3. JAVA_HOME should be the path excluding bin and PATH should include bin as %JAVA_HOME%\bin
  4. Are there duplicate entries in PATH and also duplication between user and system environment variables?
  5. Can you directly go (cd) to JDK/JRE bin directory where java executable is present and run java -version?
  6. Lastly, I hope you looked at C:\Windows\System32 and C:\Windows\SYSWOW64 directories and removed java.exe and related files.

Upvotes: 2

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