Problems setting the JAVA_HOME variable

Problems setting the JAVA_HOME variable - java

So I just downloaded Android Studio, and am trying to set the JAVA_HOME variable so I can run it. I'm using windows 8 and have followed all the instructions I've been able to find to no avail... went to advanced system settings > environment variables and then set the JAVA_HOME variable with the value containing my path to jre7. I've double checked the path a million times, I don't see anything wrong with it(C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7). I know the variable name is right, and I know that windows is excepting the variable, I've even restarted twice. What am I doing wrong here? The only thing I can think of that may be wrong is the fact that I'm pointing to a jre instead of a jdk, but I've always thought that both worked... anyway, the exact error message I get when I try to open Android Studio says:
No JVM installation found. Please install a 64-bit JDK. If you already
have a JDK installed, define a JAVA_HOME variable in Computer > System
Properties > System Settings > Environment Variables.
If a jre doesn't work in place of a jdk, then how do I go about getting one? I know nothing about Java I just want to get into this IDE and play around with Android.

No JVM installation found. Please install a 64-bit JDK.
It's asking for a 64-bit JDK. You say your environment variable is pointing at the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7
There's two things wrong here. First, you're pointing to a JRE - Java Runtime Environment. This is not a JDK - Java Development Kit. The JRE is for running Java applications; the JDK is for developing Java applications. There's a significant difference there.
Secondly, as others have mentioned, you're pointing the environment variable to the 32-bit version. You need a 64-bit JDK. This will be installed at C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_XX or similar, by default.
You can acquire a JDK installation from Oracle.

Here is the official installation instructions - http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/webnotes/install/windows/jdk-installation-windows.html
The important thing is
Set JAVA_HOME to the location where jre or jdk is installed
Add %JAVA_HOME%/bin to your path variable.
Make sure you add these to "System Variables" and not in "User variables for xxx"

By default, c:\Program Files (x86) (environment variable ProgramFiles(x86))is used for 32-bit installations. 64-bit installations use c:\Program Files (environment variable ProgramFiles).
When I open a cmd box on my Windows 7 64-bit, I can issue the "set" command to get
ProgramFiles=C:\Program Files
ProgramFiles(x86)=C:\Program Files (x86)
ProgramW6432=C:\Program Files
This should be similar under Windows 8.

No JVM installation found. Please install a 64-bit JDK
This is looking for a 64bit version of the java JDK.
C:\Program Files (x86) is the x86 not 64bit.
Click the link below and make sure to download the x64 version.
Java SE Development Kit 7 Downloads
Then the folder path should be
C:\Program Files\Java\jre7

Try runing Android Studio as administrator after setting the JAVA_HOME variable!
It worked for me...

Same thing happened to me and it turns out that all I had to do was unblock the file. Go to the file properties and at the bottom where it tells you it's from another computer and is blocked, just unblock it. This may not be true for everyone but it probably is if the path code is exactly what it should be and still isn't working.

the solution is simple,
I think your java path contains /bin
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_181
just path to the folder of JDK
like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_181
don't forget to restart your IDE or Code Editor

Related

How to best set the path to java in windows

I'm curious about the difference that exists between the paths that I see in the windows environment to java.
If I do a command where java I can see
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_21\bin\java.exe
And I have seen that the first one, the javapath, gets updated with the latest java sdk I have installed. However, most of what you google tells you should set the environment variable PATH to the latest, the one with the jdk in the path.
So what is the best, how do they work. For example, what's best for Xamarin or Android development?
Hopefully someone has some insight, I'd appreciate comments on this.
Now I know, (everyone does) that to change the path to java you have to set the JAVA_HOME variable. I did this after posting this, it's hard to recall everything you read at any given moment!
Still what's the purpose of the other paths, and why does updating java jre automatically sets the java version while downloading an sdk requires a manual update?

When a new version of JRE is installed, this path C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java appears to be updated with executables corresponding to the new JRE version. The problem is this would be JRE and not JDK. So, programs that depend on JDK (IDE for example) will fail to launch.
Here is how I get it to work consistently
I always have an environment variable in User Variables (System Environment Variables by going to Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Environment Variables -> User Variables) -- JAVA_HOME pointing to the JDK Home. And add %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the PATH environment variable.
Interestingly, I remove the entry C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java\javapath from the Path environment variable in System Environment Variables (Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Environment Variables -> System Variables).
This works as of Aug 2020 for Windows 10 (1903), Java 8u251. :)

On my machine, the files in C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath used to symlink to files elsewhere. But noticed this has changed in or before 8u112. Worth noting that on my current release (8u171) both javapath folders symlink to "target" folders in the same directory.
If I undo the things in c:\programdata I notice that my Eclipse environment stops working well.
But I don't have much more insight on the history or why behind all of this though.

Eclipse - how to disable update dynamic java source working set [duplicate]

I am trying to get my first taste of Android development using Eclipse. I ran into this problem when trying to run Eclipse, having installed version 4.2 only minutes ago.
After first trying to start Eclipse without any parameters to specify the Java VM, I got an error message saying it couldn't find a Java VM called javaw.exe inside the Eclipse folder, so I found where Java was installed and specified that location as the parameter in the shortcut's target. Now I get a different error, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
Similar questions seem to indicate that it's a 32-bit/64-bit conflict, but I'm 99% positive that I downloaded 64-bit versions of both Eclipse and Java (RE 7u5), which I chose because I have 64-bit Windows 7.
If anyone knows how to confirm that my Eclipse and Java are 64-bit,
that'd be appreciated.
If you think my problem is a different one, please help!
Please speak as plainly as you can, as I am totally new to Eclipse
and Java.
Shortcut Target: "C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe" -vm "C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe"
Full error code...:
Java was started but returned exit code=13
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
-os win32
-ws win32
-arch x86_64
-showsplash C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins\org.eclipse.platform_4.2.0.v201206081400\splash.bmp
-launcher C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe
-name Eclipse
--launcher.library C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher.win32.win32.x86_64_1.1.200.v201205221813\eclipse_1503.dll
-startup C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
--launcher.overrideVmargs
-exitdata 1e30_5c
-vm C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-vmargs
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar

Your version of Eclipse is 64-bit, based on the paths and filenames.
However, the version of Java that it's picking up is 32-bit, as indicated by where it is coming from, on this line:
-vm C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
Program Files (x86) is the folder where 64-bit Windows places 32-bit programs.
Program Files is the folder where 64-bit Windows places 64-bit programs.
This can happen when a system has more than one JVM installed, as is often the case on Windows 64-bit (for example, the JRE download page uses the bit-ness of the browser to determine what bit-ness download to offer you, and many people use(d) 32-bit browsers even though they run 64-bit Windows).
The best way to fix this, assuming you do in fact have 64-bit JRE or JDK on your system, is to specify in eclipse.ini exactly which JVM you want it to use. The instructions are detailed in the Eclipse wiki page, but basically you have to specify the -vm option in the ini file - make sure to read the wiki page carefully as the format is very specific.
Specifying the JVM path in eclipse.ini is strongly recommended because doing so isolates Eclipse from any potential changes to your system PATH that some program installers might make (I'm talking to you, Oracle!).
Another option would be to download and use 32-bit Eclipse instead of 64-bit, but it's still strongly recommended to specify the path to the JVM in eclipse.ini.
Left for historical reference:
To check your version of Java, run
java -version
in a console (command prompt). On Windows 7 with 64-bit Java 6 I get:
java version "1.6.0_27"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_27-b07)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.2-b06, mixed mode)
Note the 3rd line, which shows that this is a 64-bit version.
On a 32-bit version you'll get something like:
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 20.1-b02, mixed mode, sharing)
If you are on a 64-bit machine, then you can install the 64-bit JDK and uninstall the 32-bit one. For instance on Windows 10, just go to Settings and under Apps, you will find Java. Click on it and you will find all the different versions. Now you can select which one to uninstall.

I got this error and found that my PATH variable (on Windows) was probably changed. First in my PATH was this entry:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
...and Eclipse ran "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\javaw" - which gave the error. I suspect that this is something that came along with an installation of Java 8.
I have several Java versions installed (6,7 and 8), so I removed that entry from the PATH and tried to restart Eclipse again, which worked fine.
If it's doesn't work for you, you'll need to upgrade your JDK (to the Java versions - 8 in this case).
Instructions on how to edit PATH variable

There are working combinations of OS, JDK and Eclipse bitness. In my case, I was using a 64-bit JDK with a 32-bit Eclipse on a 64-bit OS. After downgrading the JDK to 32-bit, Eclipse started working.
Use one of the following combinations.
32-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse (32-bit only)
64-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse
64-bit OS, 64-bit JDK, 64-bit Eclipse (64-bit only)

If you have recently installed Java 8 and uninstalled Java 7, install JDK 8 and retry.

For me the solution was to go into (on Windows 8.1):
System > Advanced system setting > Environment Variables
Under 'System variables' in the 'Path' variable there was the following first:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;
I removed this and Eclipse worked again!

I had the same issue, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
My solution was to create an environment variable to Windows properties variable name = PATH variable value = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin, not to C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin.
Next I added a line to file eclipse.ini → C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe.
That worked for me.

The issue was fixed by doing the following steps.
Eclipse finds the JAVA executables from
'C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath'
The folder structure will contain shortcuts to the below executables,
i. java.exe
ii. javaw.exe
iii. javaws.exe
For me the executable paths were pointing to my Program Files(x86) (home for 32 bit applications) folder location
I corrected it to Program Files (which homes 64-bit applications) and the issue got resolved
Please find the screenshot for the same.

Adding vm argument to .ini file worked for me
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_65\bin\javaw.exe
Adding more details to this
for sts 3.9.18 release I was getting error Java was started but returned exit code=13 and for latest release same
issue just the returned exit code was 14. This was due to default java chosed was of 32 bit and this version of sts/eclipes is for 64 bits. resolved this by setting 64 bits version of java in STS.ini file as
-vm
C:\Progra~1\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin\javaw.exe
This is before vmargs parameters in the file.

The strangest fix ever. Look at your Eclipse path, and make sure you do not have strange characters (like !, #, and #). It worked for me.

Locate eclipse.ini:
Often at C:\Users\xxx\eclipse\jee-neon\eclipse, add
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
after
--launcher.appendVmargs

I uninstalled Java update 25, and the issue was solved.

A clean reinstall of the Java JDK did the trick in my case. I am running Eclipse 4.4 (Luna) like a charm now.

You have to go to the folder where eclipse is installed and then you have to change the eclipse.ini file.
You have to add
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\bin\javaw.exe
Your eclipse.ini file will look like the below screenshot

It turned out I only had the 32-bit Java runtime installed.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_45\
All Eclipse really wanted was for me to install the 64-bit Java runtime. <= SOLVED
Java SE Runtime Environment 8u45 jdk-8u45-windows-x64.exe
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html
Confirm your installation by checking you now have this folder
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_45\

The solution is simple: Put the "eclipse" folder on "C:/Program Files". If it does not work, put it in "C:/Program Files (x86)".

I had this message when I had forgot to install the JDK.

The best answer here is too long. I cannot comment so I added my answer.
Go here:
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
Download the latest SDK (of course for x64 if your computer is x64)
Install it
Now the party is finished, and it's time to work with Eclipse ;)

I had the same problem. I was using Windows 8 with a 64-bit OS. I just changed the path to Program Files (x86) and then it started work. I put this line in the eclipse.ini file:
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe

Make sure you don't have special characters (%, $, #, etc.) at Eclipse path.

If you install a 64-bit Eclipse version on a PC with a 32-bit JRE this is guaranteed to occur.
So the solution is quite straightforward: You need to synchronise them by updating either one. This shall happen when downloading Oracle Fusion middleware and Eclipse expects a 32-bit environment while your JRE is 64-bit and your JAVA home is pointing to a 64-bit JDK.

Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath" is removed.
Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin" is added.

I had this issue. I installed Java 8 update 25 via Chrome, and therafter attempting to start Eclipse gave the mentioned error.
Uninstalled that update, and Eclipse works again.

I tried some of the solutions, but not worked for me.
Finally, I found another way, ...
Go to Environment Variables → System Variables
Set C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe to the path in the system variables.
Try it. It worked for me...

I tried the following solution:
I created a shortcut of javaw.exe from path C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_71\bin and pasted it into the path C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath.
After that, I launched Eclipse, and it worked for me.

I also encountered the same issue. It turned out that the environment variable Path was pointing to an incorrect Java version.
Please check the environment variable and point it to the correct Java. For example:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_17\bin
To check the environment variable, go to:
Computer → properties → Advanced system settings → Advanced -> Environment variables

I have just solved the same issue upon setting up my Windows 8.1 PC. Exactly like #George Papatheodorou mentioned above (sorry I cannot add a comment), Eclipse and JRE must be both 64 bit or 32 bit.
However, it seems for Windows 8/8.1 environment, you are going to get 32-bit JRE by default (and I do not know where to change that default for the download), as explained here: http://java.com/en/download/faq/win8_faq.xml
I was using 64-bit Eclipse so there was a discrepancy. I then installed 32-bit Eclipse and everything works fine this time.
So before bothering changing any environment variables, check your JRE and Eclipse version.
Of course you can use 64-bit JRE with 64-bit Eclipse. Just make sure they match because Windows 8.1 will give you 32-bit by default.

I had a similar error after installing Java 8 on my Windows 7 system, 64 bit system.
Changing environment variables, etc. did not help. So I tried to remove the Java Update 8, but that too did not help. Downloading and installing the 64-bit version of Java 8 SDK fixed my problem. I hope this helps.

I had the same issue after I upgraded my JDK from 1.7 to 1.8. I'm using Eclipse 4.4 (Luna). The error is gone after I degrade JDK to 1.7.

Please check whether you have set two JAVA paths in the Environment Variable section. If you already installed two versions of the JDK, it might be, then double check you have put PATH for Java like below.
PATH --> C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
and also
JAVA_HOME ---> C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin
If both are there, then this sort of error may occur.
If it's OK, then check in the ".ini" file the below area is OK or not.
Open ".ini" file and check
-VM path is C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_79\bin\
If not, please set it like that and run again.

It could be due to too little memory. You can modify the eclipse.ini file to increase the memory. Something like this might help you: FAQ How do I increase the heap size available to Eclipse?

Eclipse Kepler, Java was Started but returned Exit code=13 [duplicate]

I am trying to get my first taste of Android development using Eclipse. I ran into this problem when trying to run Eclipse, having installed version 4.2 only minutes ago.
After first trying to start Eclipse without any parameters to specify the Java VM, I got an error message saying it couldn't find a Java VM called javaw.exe inside the Eclipse folder, so I found where Java was installed and specified that location as the parameter in the shortcut's target. Now I get a different error, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
Similar questions seem to indicate that it's a 32-bit/64-bit conflict, but I'm 99% positive that I downloaded 64-bit versions of both Eclipse and Java (RE 7u5), which I chose because I have 64-bit Windows 7.
If anyone knows how to confirm that my Eclipse and Java are 64-bit,
that'd be appreciated.
If you think my problem is a different one, please help!
Please speak as plainly as you can, as I am totally new to Eclipse
and Java.
Shortcut Target: "C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe" -vm "C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe"
Full error code...:
Java was started but returned exit code=13
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
-os win32
-ws win32
-arch x86_64
-showsplash C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins\org.eclipse.platform_4.2.0.v201206081400\splash.bmp
-launcher C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe
-name Eclipse
--launcher.library C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher.win32.win32.x86_64_1.1.200.v201205221813\eclipse_1503.dll
-startup C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
--launcher.overrideVmargs
-exitdata 1e30_5c
-vm C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-vmargs
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar

I got this error and found that my PATH variable (on Windows) was probably changed. First in my PATH was this entry:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
...and Eclipse ran "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\javaw" - which gave the error. I suspect that this is something that came along with an installation of Java 8.
I have several Java versions installed (6,7 and 8), so I removed that entry from the PATH and tried to restart Eclipse again, which worked fine.
If it's doesn't work for you, you'll need to upgrade your JDK (to the Java versions - 8 in this case).
Instructions on how to edit PATH variable

There are working combinations of OS, JDK and Eclipse bitness. In my case, I was using a 64-bit JDK with a 32-bit Eclipse on a 64-bit OS. After downgrading the JDK to 32-bit, Eclipse started working.
Use one of the following combinations.
32-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse (32-bit only)
64-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse
64-bit OS, 64-bit JDK, 64-bit Eclipse (64-bit only)

If you have recently installed Java 8 and uninstalled Java 7, install JDK 8 and retry.

For me the solution was to go into (on Windows 8.1):
System > Advanced system setting > Environment Variables
Under 'System variables' in the 'Path' variable there was the following first:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;
I removed this and Eclipse worked again!

I had the same issue, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
My solution was to create an environment variable to Windows properties variable name = PATH variable value = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin, not to C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin.
Next I added a line to file eclipse.ini → C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe.
That worked for me.

The issue was fixed by doing the following steps.
Eclipse finds the JAVA executables from
'C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath'
The folder structure will contain shortcuts to the below executables,
i. java.exe
ii. javaw.exe
iii. javaws.exe
For me the executable paths were pointing to my Program Files(x86) (home for 32 bit applications) folder location
I corrected it to Program Files (which homes 64-bit applications) and the issue got resolved
Please find the screenshot for the same.

Adding vm argument to .ini file worked for me
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_65\bin\javaw.exe
Adding more details to this
for sts 3.9.18 release I was getting error Java was started but returned exit code=13 and for latest release same
issue just the returned exit code was 14. This was due to default java chosed was of 32 bit and this version of sts/eclipes is for 64 bits. resolved this by setting 64 bits version of java in STS.ini file as
-vm
C:\Progra~1\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin\javaw.exe
This is before vmargs parameters in the file.

The strangest fix ever. Look at your Eclipse path, and make sure you do not have strange characters (like !, #, and #). It worked for me.

Locate eclipse.ini:
Often at C:\Users\xxx\eclipse\jee-neon\eclipse, add
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
after
--launcher.appendVmargs

I uninstalled Java update 25, and the issue was solved.

A clean reinstall of the Java JDK did the trick in my case. I am running Eclipse 4.4 (Luna) like a charm now.

You have to go to the folder where eclipse is installed and then you have to change the eclipse.ini file.
You have to add
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\bin\javaw.exe
Your eclipse.ini file will look like the below screenshot

It turned out I only had the 32-bit Java runtime installed.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_45\
All Eclipse really wanted was for me to install the 64-bit Java runtime. <= SOLVED
Java SE Runtime Environment 8u45 jdk-8u45-windows-x64.exe
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html
Confirm your installation by checking you now have this folder
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_45\

The solution is simple: Put the "eclipse" folder on "C:/Program Files". If it does not work, put it in "C:/Program Files (x86)".

I had this message when I had forgot to install the JDK.

The best answer here is too long. I cannot comment so I added my answer.
Go here:
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
Download the latest SDK (of course for x64 if your computer is x64)
Install it
Now the party is finished, and it's time to work with Eclipse ;)

I had the same problem. I was using Windows 8 with a 64-bit OS. I just changed the path to Program Files (x86) and then it started work. I put this line in the eclipse.ini file:
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe

Make sure you don't have special characters (%, $, #, etc.) at Eclipse path.

If you install a 64-bit Eclipse version on a PC with a 32-bit JRE this is guaranteed to occur.
So the solution is quite straightforward: You need to synchronise them by updating either one. This shall happen when downloading Oracle Fusion middleware and Eclipse expects a 32-bit environment while your JRE is 64-bit and your JAVA home is pointing to a 64-bit JDK.

Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath" is removed.
Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin" is added.

I had this issue. I installed Java 8 update 25 via Chrome, and therafter attempting to start Eclipse gave the mentioned error.
Uninstalled that update, and Eclipse works again.

I tried some of the solutions, but not worked for me.
Finally, I found another way, ...
Go to Environment Variables → System Variables
Set C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe to the path in the system variables.
Try it. It worked for me...

I tried the following solution:
I created a shortcut of javaw.exe from path C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_71\bin and pasted it into the path C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath.
After that, I launched Eclipse, and it worked for me.

I also encountered the same issue. It turned out that the environment variable Path was pointing to an incorrect Java version.
Please check the environment variable and point it to the correct Java. For example:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_17\bin
To check the environment variable, go to:
Computer → properties → Advanced system settings → Advanced -> Environment variables

I have just solved the same issue upon setting up my Windows 8.1 PC. Exactly like #George Papatheodorou mentioned above (sorry I cannot add a comment), Eclipse and JRE must be both 64 bit or 32 bit.
However, it seems for Windows 8/8.1 environment, you are going to get 32-bit JRE by default (and I do not know where to change that default for the download), as explained here: http://java.com/en/download/faq/win8_faq.xml
I was using 64-bit Eclipse so there was a discrepancy. I then installed 32-bit Eclipse and everything works fine this time.
So before bothering changing any environment variables, check your JRE and Eclipse version.
Of course you can use 64-bit JRE with 64-bit Eclipse. Just make sure they match because Windows 8.1 will give you 32-bit by default.

I had a similar error after installing Java 8 on my Windows 7 system, 64 bit system.
Changing environment variables, etc. did not help. So I tried to remove the Java Update 8, but that too did not help. Downloading and installing the 64-bit version of Java 8 SDK fixed my problem. I hope this helps.

I had the same issue after I upgraded my JDK from 1.7 to 1.8. I'm using Eclipse 4.4 (Luna). The error is gone after I degrade JDK to 1.7.

Please check whether you have set two JAVA paths in the Environment Variable section. If you already installed two versions of the JDK, it might be, then double check you have put PATH for Java like below.
PATH --> C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
and also
JAVA_HOME ---> C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin
If both are there, then this sort of error may occur.
If it's OK, then check in the ".ini" file the below area is OK or not.
Open ".ini" file and check
-VM path is C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_79\bin\
If not, please set it like that and run again.

It could be due to too little memory. You can modify the eclipse.ini file to increase the memory. Something like this might help you: FAQ How do I increase the heap size available to Eclipse?

Can't start Eclipse - Java was started but returned exit code=13

I am trying to get my first taste of Android development using Eclipse. I ran into this problem when trying to run Eclipse, having installed version 4.2 only minutes ago.
After first trying to start Eclipse without any parameters to specify the Java VM, I got an error message saying it couldn't find a Java VM called javaw.exe inside the Eclipse folder, so I found where Java was installed and specified that location as the parameter in the shortcut's target. Now I get a different error, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
Similar questions seem to indicate that it's a 32-bit/64-bit conflict, but I'm 99% positive that I downloaded 64-bit versions of both Eclipse and Java (RE 7u5), which I chose because I have 64-bit Windows 7.
If anyone knows how to confirm that my Eclipse and Java are 64-bit,
that'd be appreciated.
If you think my problem is a different one, please help!
Please speak as plainly as you can, as I am totally new to Eclipse
and Java.
Shortcut Target: "C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe" -vm "C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe"
Full error code...:
Java was started but returned exit code=13
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
-os win32
-ws win32
-arch x86_64
-showsplash C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins\org.eclipse.platform_4.2.0.v201206081400\splash.bmp
-launcher C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\eclipse.exe
-name Eclipse
--launcher.library C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher.win32.win32.x86_64_1.1.200.v201205221813\eclipse_1503.dll
-startup C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar
--launcher.overrideVmargs
-exitdata 1e30_5c
-vm C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
-vmargs
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
-jar C:\Program Files\Eclipse-SDK-4.2-win32-x86_64\eclipse\\plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.30v20120522-1813.jar

I got this error and found that my PATH variable (on Windows) was probably changed. First in my PATH was this entry:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
...and Eclipse ran "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\javaw" - which gave the error. I suspect that this is something that came along with an installation of Java 8.
I have several Java versions installed (6,7 and 8), so I removed that entry from the PATH and tried to restart Eclipse again, which worked fine.
If it's doesn't work for you, you'll need to upgrade your JDK (to the Java versions - 8 in this case).
Instructions on how to edit PATH variable

There are working combinations of OS, JDK and Eclipse bitness. In my case, I was using a 64-bit JDK with a 32-bit Eclipse on a 64-bit OS. After downgrading the JDK to 32-bit, Eclipse started working.
Use one of the following combinations.
32-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse (32-bit only)
64-bit OS, 32-bit JDK, 32-bit Eclipse
64-bit OS, 64-bit JDK, 64-bit Eclipse (64-bit only)

If you have recently installed Java 8 and uninstalled Java 7, install JDK 8 and retry.

For me the solution was to go into (on Windows 8.1):
System > Advanced system setting > Environment Variables
Under 'System variables' in the 'Path' variable there was the following first:
C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;
I removed this and Eclipse worked again!

I had the same issue, Java was started but returned exit code=13.
My solution was to create an environment variable to Windows properties variable name = PATH variable value = C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin, not to C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin.
Next I added a line to file eclipse.ini → C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe.
That worked for me.

The issue was fixed by doing the following steps.
Eclipse finds the JAVA executables from
'C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath'
The folder structure will contain shortcuts to the below executables,
i. java.exe
ii. javaw.exe
iii. javaws.exe
For me the executable paths were pointing to my Program Files(x86) (home for 32 bit applications) folder location
I corrected it to Program Files (which homes 64-bit applications) and the issue got resolved
Please find the screenshot for the same.

Adding vm argument to .ini file worked for me
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_65\bin\javaw.exe
Adding more details to this
for sts 3.9.18 release I was getting error Java was started but returned exit code=13 and for latest release same
issue just the returned exit code was 14. This was due to default java chosed was of 32 bit and this version of sts/eclipes is for 64 bits. resolved this by setting 64 bits version of java in STS.ini file as
-vm
C:\Progra~1\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin\javaw.exe
This is before vmargs parameters in the file.

The strangest fix ever. Look at your Eclipse path, and make sure you do not have strange characters (like !, #, and #). It worked for me.

Locate eclipse.ini:
Often at C:\Users\xxx\eclipse\jee-neon\eclipse, add
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe
after
--launcher.appendVmargs

I uninstalled Java update 25, and the issue was solved.

A clean reinstall of the Java JDK did the trick in my case. I am running Eclipse 4.4 (Luna) like a charm now.

You have to go to the folder where eclipse is installed and then you have to change the eclipse.ini file.
You have to add
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_202\bin\javaw.exe
Your eclipse.ini file will look like the below screenshot

It turned out I only had the 32-bit Java runtime installed.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_45\
All Eclipse really wanted was for me to install the 64-bit Java runtime. <= SOLVED
Java SE Runtime Environment 8u45 jdk-8u45-windows-x64.exe
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html
Confirm your installation by checking you now have this folder
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_45\

The solution is simple: Put the "eclipse" folder on "C:/Program Files". If it does not work, put it in "C:/Program Files (x86)".

I had this message when I had forgot to install the JDK.

The best answer here is too long. I cannot comment so I added my answer.
Go here:
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
Download the latest SDK (of course for x64 if your computer is x64)
Install it
Now the party is finished, and it's time to work with Eclipse ;)

I had the same problem. I was using Windows 8 with a 64-bit OS. I just changed the path to Program Files (x86) and then it started work. I put this line in the eclipse.ini file:
-vm
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javaw.exe

Make sure you don't have special characters (%, $, #, etc.) at Eclipse path.

If you install a 64-bit Eclipse version on a PC with a 32-bit JRE this is guaranteed to occur.
So the solution is quite straightforward: You need to synchronise them by updating either one. This shall happen when downloading Oracle Fusion middleware and Eclipse expects a 32-bit environment while your JRE is 64-bit and your JAVA home is pointing to a 64-bit JDK.

Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath" is removed.
Under system environment variables, make sure "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_131\bin" is added.

I had this issue. I installed Java 8 update 25 via Chrome, and therafter attempting to start Eclipse gave the mentioned error.
Uninstalled that update, and Eclipse works again.

I tried some of the solutions, but not worked for me.
Finally, I found another way, ...
Go to Environment Variables → System Variables
Set C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin\javaw.exe to the path in the system variables.
Try it. It worked for me...

I tried the following solution:
I created a shortcut of javaw.exe from path C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_71\bin and pasted it into the path C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath.
After that, I launched Eclipse, and it worked for me.

I also encountered the same issue. It turned out that the environment variable Path was pointing to an incorrect Java version.
Please check the environment variable and point it to the correct Java. For example:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_17\bin
To check the environment variable, go to:
Computer → properties → Advanced system settings → Advanced -> Environment variables

I have just solved the same issue upon setting up my Windows 8.1 PC. Exactly like #George Papatheodorou mentioned above (sorry I cannot add a comment), Eclipse and JRE must be both 64 bit or 32 bit.
However, it seems for Windows 8/8.1 environment, you are going to get 32-bit JRE by default (and I do not know where to change that default for the download), as explained here: http://java.com/en/download/faq/win8_faq.xml
I was using 64-bit Eclipse so there was a discrepancy. I then installed 32-bit Eclipse and everything works fine this time.
So before bothering changing any environment variables, check your JRE and Eclipse version.
Of course you can use 64-bit JRE with 64-bit Eclipse. Just make sure they match because Windows 8.1 will give you 32-bit by default.

I had a similar error after installing Java 8 on my Windows 7 system, 64 bit system.
Changing environment variables, etc. did not help. So I tried to remove the Java Update 8, but that too did not help. Downloading and installing the 64-bit version of Java 8 SDK fixed my problem. I hope this helps.

I had the same issue after I upgraded my JDK from 1.7 to 1.8. I'm using Eclipse 4.4 (Luna). The error is gone after I degrade JDK to 1.7.

Please check whether you have set two JAVA paths in the Environment Variable section. If you already installed two versions of the JDK, it might be, then double check you have put PATH for Java like below.
PATH --> C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath
and also
JAVA_HOME ---> C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin
If both are there, then this sort of error may occur.
If it's OK, then check in the ".ini" file the below area is OK or not.
Open ".ini" file and check
-VM path is C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_79\bin\
If not, please set it like that and run again.

It could be due to too little memory. You can modify the eclipse.ini file to increase the memory. Something like this might help you: FAQ How do I increase the heap size available to Eclipse?

A JRE or JDK must be available in order to run Eclipse. No JVM was found after searching the following locations

Eclipse is unable to open, have used eclipse before and has open before without a problem. Now I keep getting the following error message:
A Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) must be available in order to run Eclipse. No Java virtual machine was found after searching the following locations:
Have gotten eclipse to open and work on projects before and won't open.
Here is a screen shot of what I keep getting:

You can explicitly tell Eclipse where to find it. Open eclipse.ini and add the following lines to the top of the file:
-vm
/absolute/path/to/jre6/bin
Update: I just nailed down the root cause on my own Windows machine. The GlassFish installer complained with exactly the same error message and after digging in GlassFish forums, the cause was clear: a corrupt JRE install on a Windows machine. My JRE came along with the JDK and the Java 6 JDK installer didn't install the JRE properly somehow. A DLL file was missing in JDK's JRE installation. After I reinstalled the standalone JRE from http://java.com, overwriting the old one, the GlassFish installer continued and also Eclipse was able to start flawlessly without those two lines in eclipse.ini.

I got this problem because i uninstalled the jdk version 13 and reinstall the jdk version 8
Even though i have updated the path variables eclipse still pick the old configuration.
You need to edit the eclipse.ini file which is in your folder where eclipse.exe is placed.
Just update this file with the latest path so eclipse can pick it up

It usually is because:
you indicated the wrong jvm path in your -vm argument: see this SO question for an concrete example.
the eclipse.ini got corrupted somehow (if it hasn't been modified, this isn't it, but if setting a jvm path doesn't work, ... I would replace the eclipse.ini by one coming from a fresh installation just to be sure)
the java which eclipse search by default is no longer accessible (because the $PATH is no longer up-to-date)
More details on the wiki page "Finding a VM, Using JNI Invocation or Executing Java"
No -vm specified
When no -vm is specified, the launcher looks for a virtual machine first in a jre directory in the root of eclipse and then on the search path.
If java is found in either location, then we look for a jvm shared library (jvm.dll on window, libjvm.so on *nix platforms) relative to that java executable.
If a jvm shared library is found we load it and use the JNI invocation api to start the vm.
If no jvm shared library is found, we exec the java launcher to start the vm in a new process.
As mentioned in "FAQ How do I run Eclipse?":
Eclipse DOES NOT consult the JAVA_HOME environment variable.
So I would check your $PATH, starting by n new shell sesion (whatever your OS is), typing 'java -version' to see if it still returns anything.

Copy javaw.exe from C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8(or)1.6(or)1.7\bin
and paste it inside Eclipse folder
where eclipse.exe is there. That's all.

Here is how I fixed mine:
find the location where your jre is installed. in my case, it was located at C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_10
copy the jre folder and paste it where your eclipse files are located (where eclipse.exe is located).
when you download eclipse, you get a .zip package containing eclipse.exe and all the other files needed to run eclipse but it is missing the jre files. so all you need to do is to find where jre folder is located on your hard drive and add it to the rest of the eclipse package.

I had the same problem and the issue was that I had a 32 bit version of Eclipse running on my 64 bit machine and it wanted the 32 bit version of JRE.
I changed Program Files to Program Files (x86) in the eclipse.ini file like so:
-VM
C:Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin
and that solved the problem.
You may want to just install the 64 bit Eclipse, but this will take care of the error.

Did you install Java via the java.com web browser auto install? If so, then that's your problem! You need to to the "manual" install: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
It's just a matter of having the correct match of 32-bit Eclipse/32-bit Java or 64-bit Eclipse/64-bit Java. Many 64-bit Windows have 32-bit browsers and the latter is the version of Java that the auto-installer will provide - not what the 64-bit Eclipse wants.

Make sure the install path of JDK is in your Path variable in Windows.

adding -vm C:/Program Files/Java/jdk1.6.0_29/bin/javaw.exe to the .ini file helped me.

Is so simple,only add your java path for example:
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_121\bin
in PATH system variable

I have faced the similar issue earlier with Eclipse and STS IDE'S
Please check weather JDK/JRE is available or not in your machine. If not please install JDK and setup the environment variables.
Even after step 1, if you are still facing the issue then it's time to set the vm argument in eclipse.ini or sts.ini in the following way.
-vm
C:Program Files (x86)\Java\jre8\bin

I also had same problem when developing android applications using eclipse IDE.
I solved it by removing all the java installations (I had java 6 and 7 both) and re-install only jdk 7.

I got this fixed by doing the below steps,
1)
The eclipse finds the JAVA executables from 'C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath'
The folder structure will contain shortcuts to the below executables,
i. java.exe
ii. javaw.exe
iii. javaws.exe
For me the executable paths were pointing to my (ProgramFiles(x84)) folder location
I corrected it to Program Files path(64 bit) and the issue got resolved
Please find the screenshot for the same.

Just to add on top of other answers:
Windows Users: You can give the PATH to JRE in eclipse.ini separated by '/' or '\'. It doesn't matter. Eclipse will pick it anyway. For example, in my windows system, either of the paths is fine (after -vm of course):
C:/Program Files/Java/jre1.8.0_181/bin
or C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_181\bin

Change the vm value in eclipse.ini file with the correct path to your JDK something like this,
-vm /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-11.0.5.jdk/Contents/Home/bin
Path to eclipse.ini looks to me something like this,
/Users/tomcat/eclipse/jee-2018-09/Eclipse.app/Contents/Eclipse

This sometimes happen if you remove Java from your path variables.
To set the PATH variable again, add the full path of the jdk\bin directory to the PATH variable. Typically, the full path is:
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11\bin
To set the PATH variable on Microsoft Windows:
Select Control Panel and then System.
Click Advanced and then Environment Variables.
Add the location of the bin folder of the JDK installation to the
PATH variable in system variables.

I had this problem too on a win7 machine.
I wanted to update the jre with a jdk. So i deleted the jre folder and downloaded and unzipped the new jdk.
The issue was i manually deleted the jre folder, when instead i should've uninstalled it. This leaves a bunch of registry entries that still point to the old jre. Somehow eclipse still wants to use the old jre.
I couldn't uninstall the old java vm, i kept getting this error:
Error 1723. There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A DLL required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor
So i had to use this MS utility to fix the uninstall:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2438651/
Then i had to install again the vm. I installed to the same location the original one was at, to avoid losing another hour! After that eclipse started correctly.
Julio

I just had this problem and fixed it this way. I noticed the error message has jre in it not jre6 or jre7, so i copied jre6 from program files to eclipse folder then renamed it from jre6 to jre, then it worked :p

Newb move on my part, but I had installed just the JRE instead of JDK. Installed JDK and my problem went immediately away.

I had this problem and it was due to my windows machine playing up. I went into control panel -> system -> advanced - environment variables.
I edited the PATH variable (which was already correctly set up), changed NOTHING, clicked OK to come back out of the screens.
Then eclipse worked. No idea why, except because windows. Hopefully this may help someone.

I had this issue; I fixed it by going to
Computer-->Properties-->Advanced Settings-->Environmental Variables
In the System Variables find the variable named PATH.
-->Select Edit
-->At the very end of the Path Variable, put a ";" then add your path of your JDK and put \bin\ at the end
Should be fixed.
Example:
System Variable-
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files.......HP\LeanFT\bin
JDK path-
C:\Programs Files\Java\jre1.8.0_121
Final Path -
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files.......HP\LeanFT\bin;C:\Programs Files\Java\jre1.8.0_121\bin\
Sources:
https://www.java.com/en/download/help/path.xml

Its simple.
JDK bin directory or JRE bin directory should be in path variable
Example :
Java Installed directory:
Assume your java installed in 'C:\Program Files\java\Jdk1.8.0_144' directory
Now you can find bin directory in 'C:\Program Files\java\Jdk1.8.0_144\bin'
Navigate to user's environment variable
Control Panel --> User Accounts --> User Accounts --> Change my environment variables
In popup click Path under User variables for section
Click Edit... button and another popup will appear
Click New button and enter C:\Program Files\java\Jdk1.8.0_144\bin
Click OK button and again OK button in Environment variables popup.
Now you can open your eclipse without error

I found a solution wherein the Eclipse.ini the location was the old version of Java, and after updating the new version of java the location of
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_201\bin
was same so I had to change the directory to my new version of Java.
So solution is to just open the most updated Java version and copying its directory path and replacing it in the Eclipse.ini file.

Moderately future proof example for Linux-like systems. Assuming javac installed and on your path.
./eclipse -vm dirname $(readlink -f $(which javac))
This will find the directory where javac is installed, and pass as vm argument to eclipse.

If on Linux (ex: Ubuntu 18), try installing (or reinstalling in your case?) default-jre, as follows:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install default-jre
I had the same error when just trying to run the Eclipse installer (./eclipse-inst) on a fresh Eclipse download just now, and the installer wouldn't even run! Installing default-jre solved it!
Source:
https://linux4one.com/how-to-install-eclipse-ide-on-ubuntu-18-04/

In my case I had edited the eclipse.ini for a different purpose to include -vm parameter. That was causing the failure. I removed the -vm and following line where I had included \bin and that fixed the problem.

I got ERROR:
RESOLUTION :
in file eclipse.ini at below location :
make change as :
-vm
C:/Program Files/Java/jdk1.8.0_251/jre/bin/server/jvm.dll
Restart eclipse and error will be resolved

C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_221\bin
worked for me

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