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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?

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  • 2
    Possible duplicate of Error when checking Java version: could not find java.dll Commented Jul 28, 2019 at 21:06
  • @GeorgeZ I Tried all solutions suggested on that page, none worked for me Commented Jul 28, 2019 at 21:55
  • Have you tried removing the ProgramData\Oracle location from your PATH? Commented Jul 29, 2019 at 15:34
  • @MarkRotteveel yes Commented Jul 29, 2019 at 17:12
  • 1
    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? 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 variables? 5. Can you directly go (cd) to JDK/JRE bin directory where java executable is present and run java -version? Commented Jul 29, 2019 at 17:34

3 Answers 3

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  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.
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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.

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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.

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