Developer Tutorials
Windows XP and JAVA Problems
Due to a dispute between Microsoft and Sun Microsystems - the makers of Java - Microsoft virtual machine (VM) is no longer included as standard in the Microsoft Operating system. This means that if you have a copy of Windows XP you may be unable to view java based web content. If you have installed Service Pack 1 you will have solved the problem as this includes the Microsoft virtual machine, so you will be able to view java content. If however you have installed Service Pack 1a, this does NOT contain the VM and you will need to download it for the Sun Microsystems website's.
STEP 1 - Check if you have the Virtual Machine installed
To determine if you are running the Microsoft VM, follow these steps:
On the task bar at the bottom of your screen, click Start, and then click Run.
- Type: cmd and then click OK.
- A black box will popup looking very technical: At the command prompt(
C:\> ), type: jview and then press ENTER.
If you are not running the Microsoft VM, you receive the following error message:
'jview' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
This means that you will now need to follow Steps 2 & 3. Don't fear doing this, it is mostly an automated process, only requiring you to confirm it is OK to proceed with each step.
If however it is installed you be given a list of options, you don't need to do anything. Simply close :
you can try this
- In Internet Explorer click Tools then select Internet Options click on the advanced tab.
- Scroll down until you reach the Java (Sun) option.
- Make sure that the box to "Use java... for <applet>" is checked, and then click ok. You will need to restart your computer to see the results of this change.
STEP 2 - Check to see if you have the Service Pack Installed
It is always good advice to download and install all the windows updates provided by Microsoft in order to keep your system secure and working properly.
Clicking the Windows XP SP1a link below will take you to the Microsoft Windows Update Web site to download the Express Installation of SP1a. Windows Update will then scan your computer and present you with a list of updates available for download. If you do not already have SP1 installed on your computer, it will be listed as one of the updates under Critical Updates and Service Packs.
Typical download size and time for Express installation:
Size: 30 MB | 1.25 hours via 56K dial-up | 3 minutes via T1
STEP 3 - Install Java
Having checked that you have the Service Pack installed you can now install Java. If you wan to read more about this visit the Java Homepage and read the help files. Alternatively you can proceed straight to installing Java by clicking on the Automatically install Java link. This will scan your computer and install the correct java player for you. Again you will simply follow the on screen instructions.
STEP 4 - View some Java content!
You can now view Java web content. To test this why not visit our Infinite Tours website and view some virtual tours!
