need help adding entry to PATH env variable?

[ruben gouveia]

Hi I am new and learing java.

I just installed the latest SDK on my windows machine. I believe the next step is to add an entry to my PATH enviroment variable that points to the /bin directory inside the main Java directory. I guess this is so my compiler is able to find my javac compilier.

Can someone explain to me what this is for and where i creat this path?

thanks
rubes

[Marilyn de Queiroz]

Which OS are you using? It is different for Win9x, Win2k and XP, and Linux.

[ruben gouveia]

windows XP

[ruben gouveia]

found it. thanks

Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, and XP - To set the PATH permanently:

1. Choose Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double-click System. On Microsoft Windows NT, select the Environment tab; on Microsoft Windows 2000 select the Advanced tab and then Environment Variables. Look for "Path" in the User Variables and System Variables. If you're not sure where to add the path, add it to the right end of the "Path" in the User Variables. A typical value for PATH is:

C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.5.0_<version>\bin

Capitalization doesn't matter. Click "Set", "OK" or "Apply".

The PATH can be a series of directories separated by semi-colons ( . Microsoft Windows looks for programs in the PATH directories in order, from left to right. You should only have one bin directory for a JDK in the path at a time (those following the first are ignored), so if one is already present, you can update it to jdk1.5.0_<version>\bin.

2. The new path takes effect in each new Command Prompt window you open after setting the PATH variable.