How do I detect whether 32-bit Java is installed on x64 Windows, only looking at the filesystem and registry?

Question

I need to determine whether a particular system has 32-bit Java installed. I'm doing a remote query that only gives me access to the filesystem and registry, so I cannot attempt to run java.exe, or run any Java code.

I also want to make sure I detect both IBM and Sun Java, as well as any other distributions, which seem to put things in different places on the filesystem and in the registry.

The best I've come up with is to check for C:\Windows\SysWOW64\java.exe. Is this a reliable way to test for the presence of 32-bit Java, or are there certain versions that won't put java.exe in that folder?

Update: I'm still looking for a more robust answer to this. Just to be clear, I don't have access to a command prompt. Also, I want to detect Java no matter who the publisher is, what version number is installed, and no matter what path the user chose to install it on.

C:\Windows\SysWOW64\java.exe seems to fit these requirements, but I'd love some confirmation from someone more knowledgeable that every Java installer will indeed put that executable there.

Answer 1

This seems to provide the info on Windows:

1.) Open a windows command prompt.

2.) Key in: java -XshowSettings:all and hit ENTER.

3.) A lot of information will be displayed on the command window. Scroll up until you find the string: sun.arch.data.model.

4.) If it says sun.arch.data.model = 32, your VM is 32 bit. If it says sun.arch.data.model = 64, your VM is 64 bit.

Answer 2

Do you have access to the command prompt ?

Method 1 : Command Prompt

The specifics of the Java installed on the system can be determined by executing the following command java -version

Method 2 : Folder Structure

In case you do not have access to command prompt then determining the folder where Java.

32 Bit : C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_30

64 Bit : C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_25

However during the installation it is possible that the user might change the installation folder.

Method 3 : Registry

You can also see the version installed in registry editor.

1. Go to registry editor

2. Edit -> Find

3. Search for Java. You will get the registry entries for Java.

4. In the entry with name : DisplayName & DisplayVersion, the installed java version is displayed