Error : Several Java virtual machines running in the same process; Java Runtime Environment cannot be loaded

This article applies to:
  • Platform(s): Windows XP, Windows Vista
  • Java version(s): 7.0
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
  • Windows XP Users
    Click Start -> Control panel -> System -> Advanced -> Performance(setting) -> Advanced -> Virtual memory(Change) -> Click System managed size ->
    Set and then restart your computer.
  • Windows Vista Users
    Click 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
  • To check physical memory on your system:
    Click Start -> Control Panel -> System. This will tell you Physical memory (RAM) on your system.
  • Set JRE parameter
    Click 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
  • Windows XP Users
    Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs. Select Java and click Uninstall.
  • Windows Vista Users
    Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features. Select Java and click Uninstall.
  • Download latest Java from Java.com
Disable Add-ons in Internet Explorer
  1. Open Browser
  2. Click Tools -> Internet Options -> Programs -> Manage add-ons.
  3. 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.