Problems in running j2sdk1.4.2_04

Question

The compiler works and creates .class file but running the java.exe shows Exception in main( ) ClassDefNotFoundError.
The environment variable in winXP is sourcefile/bin. Do i need to set up more pathS???? I tried a number of options but none worked.
thanx for ur help

Answer 1

Change the current directory to the directory that contains the .class file and use this command:
java . <theNameOfYourFile>
Note the spaces and the period/dot, they are needed.
If this works, read these for why it does, and to learn about setting the CLASSPATH variable.
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/tooldocs/windows/classpath.html
[NOTE: always start your classpath with ".;" which means the current directory.
How Classes are Found:
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/docs/tooldocs/findingclasses.html