Also new to Java

I have just installed version J2SE Development Kit 5.0 Update 4, but I am unable to get things right. I'm running XP Professional SR2 and have appended my install dir to the path. I have double-checked the PATH many times and it is the correct one. I am absolutely a very, very green rookie.

According to "Head First Java", I shall use "% javac" in the command prompt but I alternatively get two errors, one: "error cannot read XXX.java" and two:'%' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable or batch file.
Using just "javac" does not help either.

What am I doing wrong.

Per,
Welcome to JavaRanch!

I think "%" is the prompt. Normally, you just type in "javac."

The "error cannot read XXX.java" sounds like you are finding javac. You can verify this by typing "javac -help". If this comes back with a list of options, java is installed fine. Then you can check if your java file exists and is in the same directory. If "javac -help" gives you an error message, you can try moving the install directory to the beginnng of the PATH.

Originally posted by Per Blindheim:
I ... have appended my install dir to the path. I have double-checked the PATH many times and it is the correct one.

You should append (install dir)/bin to the path. You may need to move it to the front of the path.
[ July 17, 2005: Message edited by: Marilyn de Queiroz ]