How can I uninstall the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (JVM) from Windows XP?

A. You might want to remove the Microsoft JVM, which Microsoft no longer supports, in favor of the more recent Sun Microsystems JVM. To remove the Microsoft JVM, perform the following steps:

From the Start menu, select Run.

Enter the command

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection java.inf,UnInstall

to start the uninstall process

Click Yes to the confirmation, then select Reboot.
After the machine restarts, delete the following items:
- the \%systemroot%\java folder
- java.pnf from the \%systemroot%\inf folder
- jview.exe and wjview.exe from the \%systemroot%\system32 folder
- The HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Java VM registry subkey
- The HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AdvancedOptions\JAVA_VM registry subkey (to remove the Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) options)

Microsoft Java is now removed. You can download Sun's newer JVM for Windows at http://java.sun.com/getjava/index.html.

End of Article

Followed procedure as outlined. Installed 1.4.1_02 SUN
JVM and enabled for Netscape and Latest version of IE. When I go to a Web Page in IE with a Java Applet I still get a prompt to install Microsoft Java Virtual Machine and
the Java Applet will not display even if I select OK. What is the problem?

Dan Haynes March 12, 2003

It is a big mistake to uninstall microsoft java vm. Microsoft java vm is working a lot more efficiently than the Sun java vm. When I use Sun java vm I am not able to run web icq and when it runs, it uses 98%cpu on AMD XP 2400+ cpu! all the time etc. No wonder Sun is trying to stop microsoft, because microsoft java vm is working a lot better. I also have read on the mailing lists etc. that Sun java vm is causing problems at online gaming sites like yahoo etc. too. Just trouble...

Evren Yurtesen August 10, 2003

This procedure seems to work for NT4, as well. But, it does not work for Win2k - any ideas on how to do that?

Brian T. Rowe September 08, 2003

Is it necessary to uninstall the MJVM from Windows 98 SE? If so is the procedure the same.

Colin Lambert September 29, 2003

You might try in IE going to Tools\Options, Advanced tab, find the Java (Sun) entry, and check the box "Use Java 2 v1.4.1 for <applet> (requires restart)". I would advise closing all browser windows before doing this, and do a full reboot after doing it, just to be safe.

Matthew Adams October 02, 2003

Is removal process same for other versions of Windows like 9x/Me? Users operating other versions besides XP might also want to remove MS JavaVM, so why did author only specify XP? This is ambiguous and needs clarification or editor's note. Also, I was unable to find \%systemroot% file and others mentioned from Start/Search/(file name), how come? So, if I am using Win Me is the uninstall process the same, and how do I find the 'systemroot' files?

Dana Schwartz October 04, 2003

When following your instructions above, step 4 says to delete items were to I go to remove those items?
Thanks

steve October 16, 2003

I am having a problem with a Trojan "thesten" that I believe MS java is allowing in. I am showing as having ver 5.0.3810.0

Should I update and if so how do I remove the existing version.
Running Win ME

Eric Wright October 17, 2003

The information in #38206 looks like it might have been helpful - if only the popup ad wasn't plastered over the command text line I need.

As the page stands, it's useless.

Kurt Colborn October 19, 2003

Some applets are written in J++ and will require you to have microsoft jvm. Try the uninstall and reinstall with jvm 5.00.3805.

sam October 21, 2003

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