How to install Java (JRE/JDK) so that ODB Database Viewer can use it?

Some ODB Database Viewer functions require Java (JRE/JDK). To use them, a supported version of JRE/JDK must be present and configured on the system.

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X86 or X64 architecture?

ODB Database Viewer can only use JRE with matching architecture: i.e., 64-bit system can only use 64-bit JRE, and 32-bit system can only use 32-bit JRE.

When you have installed a 64-bit ODB Database Viewer, and 32-bit JRE, ODB Database Viewer would not be able to find and use the JRE, no matter how hard you would try it. Take care that you download from the Java home page (www.java.com) the right architecture. In this case, ODB Database Viewer would try to be helpful in its “JRE Required” error message, telling you that it needs specific architecture (e.g., 64-bit) of JRE.

Download Link

To find other available downloads, including 64-bit JRE, you need to ignore the Big green “Download Java” button, and find a small See all Java 8 Downloads for Desktop users link below.

Then, in the manual download page, you have to choose the right version. (If you are in doubt, you can install both.)

Package Names

Java installer packages typically have this naming scheme:

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  • jre-8u201-windows-i586-iftw.exe or JavaSetup8u261.exe – 32-bit web-installer;
  • jre-8u201-windows-i586.exe – 32-bit standalone installer;
  • jre-8u201-windows-x64.exe – 64-bit standalone installer.

Thus, be aware that ‘standard’ build, with a naming scheme like JavaSetup8u341.exe will NOT work with ODB Database Viewer. This is why you have to use the manual download link.

How to control what JRE version in installed

JREs which are installed into C:\Program Files (x86) (as opposed to C:\Program Files) are 32-bit (unless you manually modified install path during installation), so you may use this information to tell if your JRE is 32-bit or 64-bit.

Launching Java Control Panel (“Configure Java” available in Windows Start menu), and clicking “View” button on “Java” tab, opens Java Runtime Environment Settings window with Architecture column allowing to see if installed instances are 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x86_64).

It is possible to install both 32-bit and 64-bit Java simultaneously on the system; and they don’t conflict with each other – so if in doubt, just install both.