Last Updated September 11, 2006

The most likely reason why errors occur when installing the Java Runtime Environment involves the computer system not being up-to-date with the correct system requirements. Any new software being installed on a computer system relies on the computer's operating system being at a minimum known state, or else it can't successfully install itself. For example, a user running Windows 2000 got errors when installing Java Runtime Environment, because the Java Runtime Environment requires systems running Windows 2000 to have "service pack 2", and this user hadn't applied any service packs to his operating system and therefore only had the service pack 1 which came with his computer system. A service pack is a package of security and error fixes for a Microsoft product. It is highly recommended to always apply service packs to Microsoft products when they become available.

My computer is running a Windows operating system on it, how can I determine which service pack I have?

1. Right click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop.
2. Click on the Properties menu item.
3. The Service Pack number your Windows operating system currently has is listed in the System section found on the "General" tab. See the picture below.

How can I upgrade or apply a higher number service pack to my Windows operating system?

• This is not a trivial task, though it is a very useful thing to know how to do. Note that applying service packs to any Microsoft product must be done sequentially, that is you can't skip numbers and try to upgrade to service pack 3 if your operating system currently only has service pack 1 on it. First you must upgrade to service pack 2, and then upgrade to service pack 3.

• Warning: If the directions found on the Microsoft website for applying a service pack to an operating system are not followed exactly as stated you risk completely destroying your operating system and loosing everything on your hard disk, to the point where you have to use recovery tools to fix the damage, or reformat and re-install your operating system.

• Detailed directions for basic computer users:

  • If you've never applied a service pack to a Microsoft operating system before, get a technical expert to help you.

  • Note: Applying service packs to your operating system fixes system errors, enhances security, and often times speeds up some operations. Applying service packs leaves your system in a better state than it was before.

• Detailed directions for computer experts:

  1. Back up your computer system.

  2. Disable or turn off all anti-virus software checking programs.

  3. Close all programs accept a browser.

  4. Go to www.microsoft.com and download the operating system service pack that you need, and print out the installation directions.

  5. Apply the service pack to your computer system. Do not open or start any other applications while the service pack is installing!

  6. Verify that service pack installation was successful and system is functioning correctly.

  7. Repeat steps 4-6 if upgrading to a higher service pack is required. Current service pack available for Windows 2000 is service pack 3.

  8. Install Java Runtime Environment. For step-by-step instructions click here.

  9. If Java Runtime Environment installation is successful, make sure your browser is Java and JavaScript enabled. For help, click here. If Java Runtime Environment installation is unsuccessfull, send email to hydis_team@hwr.arizona.edu.

  10. Now you can successfully view our website.