Java 64bit install throwing non compatible 64bit error in 64bit Windows 7

Question

JRE and JDK 64bit install executable are throwing a non compatible win32 error:

jre_7u1_windows-x64bit.exe is not a valid Win32 application.

I thought this could be a system environment variable problem, but from what I can tell it is not, the variable PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE is set as:

AMD64

and the variable PROCESSOR_IDENTIFIER is set as:

Intel64 Family 6 Model 37 Stepping 5, GenuineIntel

I am not sure what variables the installer reads from if any.

I have tried the Java 6 installer and the same thing. I can install other programs designed for a 64bit architecture and I have looked at Control Panel>System and Security>System: which is in fact "System type: 64-bit Operating System".

Answer 1

You can only run a 64bit JVM on a 64bit operating system. It sounds like you are trying to run it on a 32bit Windows operating system.

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The fact that the hardware is 64bit capable is not sufficient to run executables in 64bit mode. For that to happen, you also need to run a 64bit capable operating system; i.e. one that understands how to deal with user processes with 64 bit virtual address spaces.

Answer 2

Most probably the file that you downloaded is corrupted. Check that it downloaded completely, or try to use another browser to download the installer. Unfortunately there are no checksums on the JRE download pages.

Also check the digital signature is valid and shows no warning: open the properties dialog of the installer and then click Digital Signatures tab.