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Remove Microsoft Java Virtual Machine and Install Sun Java™

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Java™ Although court cases are still draggin on, Microsoft has removed its Java Virtual Machine (JVM) from the Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). Recently Microsoft released Service Pack 1a, which is the same as SP1, but then without the Java VM.

You might want to remove Microsoft's JVM, since it will no longer be supported by Microsoft.

If you want to remove Microsoft's JVM, and install the latest offering from Oracle, here's how:


  1. Select Start > Run
  2. Enter RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection java.inf,UnInstall in the Open box, and click OK
  3. Uninstall MS JVM
  4. Click Yes to confirm that you want to remove the Microsoft VM
  5. When prompted, reboot the computer
  6. Remove the following items:
    • The \%Systemroot%\Java folder
    • The file java.PNF from the \%Systemroot%\inf folder
    • The files jview.exe and wjview.exe from the \%Systemroot%\system32 folder
    • The registry subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Java VM
    • The registry subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ InternetExplorer \ AdvancedOptions \ JAVA_VM

Note I: With \%Systemroot%\ is meant your Windows directory.
Note II: To delete a registry subkey, start the Registry Editor, and navigate to the key by clicking on the + signs. When you have the correct key selected, right-click, and select Delete from the menu.

Delete registry subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Java VM


Microsoft JVM is now removed. You can download Oracle's JVM for Windows from the Oracle Web site.







Last Updated: March 9, 2004