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Error : Several Java virtual machines running in the same process


This article applies to:
  • Platform(s):
    Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows XP (SP1 SP2), Vista, Windows 2003
  • Browser(s):
    Internet Explorer 5.5, Internet Explorer 6.x, Internet Explorer 7.x
  • JRE version(s):
    6.0
SYMPTOMS

While running some Java applets user gets error saying
Several Java Virtual Machines running in the same process
or
Java Runtime Environment cannot be loaded


CAUSE

We are still investigating root cause of this issue.


WORKAROUND

Below are some of the workarounds that have worked for different users:

Try setting virtual memory

    For Windows XP Users:

    Go to:
    Start -> Control panel -> System -> Advanced -> Performance(setting) -> Advanced -> Virtual memory(Change) -> Click System managed size ->
    Set and then restart your computer.

    For Windows Vista Users:

    Go To:
    Start -> Settings -> Control Panel - > System -> Advanced System Settings -> Advanced -> Click Settings under Performance -> Performance Options – Advanced -> Virtual Memory – Click Change – Select System Managed Size and then Restart Computer.


Set JRE parameter to less than 3/4th of actual physical memory in your system

    First check physical memory on your system:

    Go to:
    Start -> Control Panel -> System. This will tell you Physical memory (RAM) on your system.

    Set JRE parameter

    Go to:
    Start -> Control Panel -> Java(This opens Java Control panel) -> Java -> View -> In the last field which says Java Runtime Parameters enter -Xmx512M (Note: replace 512 with 3/4th of your actual RAM)


Uninstall all versions of Java through the Control Panel

    For Windows XP Users:

    Go to:
    Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs

    Select JRE listed and remove them one by one

    For Windows Vista Users:

    Go to:
    Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features

    Select JRE listed and remove them one by one


Disable add-ons in Internet Explorer

    Open Browser

    Go to:
    Tools -> Internet Options -> Programs -> Manage add-ons -> select add-on that you wish to disable and then click Disable (Settings)

    Note: disable add-ons like SSVHelper Class, Windows Live Sign-in add-on, old Java plug-ins, etc.

    Go to:
    control panel and uninstall all versions of Java Runtime

    Go to:
    C:->Documents and Settings->User->Application Data->Sun->Java.

    Delete Java directory

    Now go to: Manual download page and download latest version of Java.


Reload policy configuration in Java Console

    For Internet Explorer

    From the browser menu bar, click Tools
    Select Sun Java Console
    Type the letter r in the Java Console

    Mozilla 1.4+

    From the browser menu bar, click Tools
    Select Web Development > Java Console
    Type the letter r in the Java Console

reload policy configuration in Java Console


Note:

If the normal uninstallation process (as mentioned above) fails, then please try Microsoft Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. This tool will ensure that all irrelevant Java Runtime Environment Microsoft Installer (msi) registries are removed. Detailed information and download is available at: Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

Removal instructions:

  • Download the Microsoft Installer Clean Up utility file and save it on your desktop
  • Double click on executable file. The installation process will start. Follow the instructions accordingly
  • Once installation process is over, go to Start -> All Programs -> Run Windows Install Clean Up utility
  • This will launch the Windows Installer Clean Up utility dialog box
  • Under the Installed products list, select the desired JRE version that you want to remove
  • Click Remove and Exit







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