Can't get java to initiate applet, or even run, please help

Question

I need help, please. Need java to do some organic chem work, and I can't get it to work. I have Java 2 runtime SE - 1.4.1_05, virtual machine 1.4.1_05-b01, and plug-in the same as J2SE. The Web Start file was corrupted when it downloaded, so I removed it from the Add/Remove in control panel. I'm running windows 2000 Pro, I'm not a computer expert (means I need explicit instructions), I'm a vet student trying to do my homework, and study for exams. Any reply here will be very appreciated, or to my e mail [email protected] Thank you, Cindy

Answer 1

There are plenty of people here that can and will help, but you need to tell us what the problem is (details, error messages, code samples, etc)
Here's a general blurb, post back it it doesn't help.
This may duplicate some of what you've already done, if so fine. But please verify you've done exactly what is written or know why you shouldn't before proceeding. You may want to print these instructions before continuing.
Also note that this applies to the currrent java version installed on "standard" windows systems, only.
To download the current version of Java, go here:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html
and click on the word DOWNLOAD in the column labeled SDK in this line: Windows Offline installation (info)
After downloading, click on this page of installation instructions and read through #6:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/install-windows.html
Install the software according to the preceeding instructions. If you encounter
problems, see the section "Troubleshooting the Installation" in the installation instructions.
Below is a Helloworld program, copy and paste it into your editor and save it as "HelloWorld.java" Use capitalization, Java is case-sensitive. If you're using Notepad, quote the name when saving, otherwise Notepad adds ".txt" to the name. Go to DOS/command window and check that you've got the file where you want it and that it's named correctly.
-------save this program as HelloWorld.java--------
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main (String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello World!");
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "javac" - the program should print out a list of options, if not, set your PATH - see below.
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "javac HelloWorld.java" and the javac compiler will create HelloWorld.class. If it was successful it will not give any messages. Check that the file is created.
In the same directory as HelloWorld.java, enter "java -classpath . HelloWorld" with the spaces and the period. The program will run. If it doesn't, recheck that you followed the instructions.
Here is additional information:
The Windows path is a set of pointers that Windows uses to locate programs that you execute, like javac.exe and java.exe. This setting is explained here:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/install-windows.html - 5. Update the PATH variable
(you should have already done this as part of the Java installation)
The CLASSPATH is another set of pointers that is used by Java to find the files that you create and want compiled and/or run. This setting is explained here:
Setting the Classpath:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/tooldocs/windows/classpath.html
[NOTE: always start your classpath with ".;" which means the current directory. See my classpath, below]
How Classes are Found:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/tooldocs/findingclasses.html
Examples:
This is my path
PATH=C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND;C:\BATCH;C:\J2SDK1.4.2_01\BIN;C:\PROGRA~1\UTILIT~1;C:\PROGRA~1\WIN98RK
This is my classpath
CLASSPATH=.;C:\mjava;C:\mnrx;C:\NetRexx\lib\NetRexxC.jar;C:\j2sdk1.4.2_01\lib\tools.jar;C:\NetRexx\NrxRedBk