Windows Java Configuration

ThomsonNOW's on-line learning environment makes use of the free Java Runtime Environment (JRE) browser plug-in for advanced features. Most student users with Windows won't need the JRE for ThomsonNOW, but it is recommended. For instructors, administrators, and author-level users, the JRE is required.

Testing for Java in Windows

ThomsonNOW allows you to sign in without having installed Java. If you encounter any of the following problems while using ThomsonNOW, however, it may indicate that you need to install Java to use that feature:

The ThomsonNOW System Check fails when you sign in or when you try to load or print an assignment.

You get an internal error when taking a test.

Graphs do not load properly.

Large gray or red boxes appear on the screen.

Checking Your Java Version

The ThomsonNOW Java requirement for Windows users is Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.4.1_02–1.5/5.0. If you are not sure of your computer's version of Java, here's how to check it in Windows XP.

To check your Java Version in Windows

Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel. (If using the default XP Start menu, go to Start > Control Panel.)

If you have Java installed, you will find Java. Double-click it to open it.

For early versions of Java, you'll find the version number (for example, JRE 1.4.1_02) on the Advanced or About tab. For more recent versions, go to the General tab and click the About button.

Note:

Removing an older JRE version in Windows

If your system currently has a JRE version not supported by ThomsonNOW (which supports JRE 1.4.1_02–1.5/5.0 only), remove it before installing the correct one. (Windows XP example shown.)

To uninstall an older JRE version

Close all open applications.

Double-click My Computer.

Double-click Control Panel.

Double-click Add/Remove Programs.

Select any Java 2 Runtime Environment not supported by ThomsonNOW.

Click Change/Remove.

When prompted with Do you want to completely remove the selected application and all of its components? click OK.

Restart your machine.

Setting Up Java in Windows XP

Before you start, close all browser windows. Also, be sure you have uninstalled any old or conflicting versions of Java (as described above).

To set up the Java JRE in Windows XP

Close all open applications.

Select Start > Settings > Control Panel. (If using the default XP Start menu, go to Start > Control Panel.)

Double-click Java Plug-in.

When the Java Control Panel opens, select the Advanced tab.

From the Java Runtime Environment drop-down list, select the installed JRE that specifies a path. For example, select j2re1.4.1_02 in C:\program files\java\j2re1.4.1_02, not Use Java Plug-in Default.

Click Apply.

Select the Cache tab.

Click Clear.

When prompted Erase All Files...?, click Yes.

Select the Certificate tab.

Select Signed applet. Select any listed items and click Remove.

Select Secure Site. Select any listed items and click Remove.

To finish, close the Java Control Panel and the Windows Control Panel.