How to remove the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Uninstalling the Microsoft JVM

Introduction

The Microsoft Java Virtual Machine, or MS Java VM, is used to run Java applets that can be found on web sites. When you visit a web site that has a Java applet, the MS JVM will compile and execute that applet on your machine. As of this writing Microsoft no longer supports the MS JVM and it has become obsolete. There have also been known security issues with un patched version of the MS JVM we advise that you remove it and install the safer SUN JVM as an alternative. If you have Windows XP SP1a installed on your computer, then you do not have the MS JVM installed on your machine.

Uninstalling the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (JVM)


Please follow these steps to uninstall the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine:

1. Click on the Start menu, then select the Run option.
   
   
2. In the Open: field type in or copy and paste the following text
   
   RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection java.inf,UnInstall
   
   
3. Then press the OK button.
   
   
4. You will now be presented with a conformation prompt like the one below:
   
   
   
   
   
5. Press the Yes button to start the uninstall process of the MS JVM.
   
   
6. Windows will uninstall the files and then give you a prompt asking whether or not you want to restart the computer. You should press the YES button to allow it to do so.
   
   
7. When the computer has restarted and you are back at the desktop delete the follow folders and directories:
   1. c:\windows\inf\java.pnf
   2. c:\windows\java
   3. c:\windows\system32\wjview.exe
   4. c:\windows\system32\jview.exe
      
      
8. Click on the Start menu, then select the Run option.
9. In the Open: field type in or copy and paste the following text:
   
   regedit.exe
10. Press the OK button.
11. Navigate to the following keys and delete them:
    
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Java VM
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AdvancedOptions\JAVA_VM

If you are using Windows NT or 2000 then you may have to replace all occurrences of c:\windows with c:\winnt in the instructions above.

If you are using Windows 95, 98, 98SE and ME then you need to replace all occurrences of c:\windows\system32 with c:\windows\system in the instructions above.

Now you should go to http://www.java.com/ and download and install the latest SUN Java for your operating system.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask them in our computer help forums.

--
Lawrence Abrams
Bleeping Computer: Windows XP Tutorial
BleepingComputer.com: Computer Help & Tutorials for the beginning computer user.