Elf Help: Java Virtual Machine |
Elf is written in Java, and so requires a Java Virtual Machine to be installed in your browser. Most versions of Internet Explorer already have this installed, so you should be able to use Elf straight away. However, if you are running Windows XP with IE6, it is likely that the default installation on your PC did not include a Java VM. If so, you can click the link below to download one.
If you are not sure whether you have the VM or not, simply run Elf to see. If you do not have a VM installed, the program will not start. However, check the detailed instructions below if you think you may have the Sun "plug-in" VM, which will also cause Elf to fail.
Some users may have chosen to use Sun's alternative Java VM, known as the "Sun plug-in". Elf is not compatible with the Sun plug-in, and will not run if you have it installed. Fortunately it is very simple to disable the plug-in, and Elf should then work.
How do you tell if you have the Sun plug-in? In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and choose "Internet Options". Choose the "Advanced" tab at the top-right of the options dialog. You will see a list of checkbox items. Scroll down the list and about halfway you will see a heading "Java(Sun)" under which there is a checkbox entitled "Use Java 2 v1.4.1 for <applet>", or similar. Untick this box and press "OK". Close down all browser windows before trying again.
If you cannot find the "Java(Sun)" item in the Advanced options list, you do not have the Sun plug-in installed. But you should see a heading "Microsoft VM" with three options below it, including "Java console enabled" and "JIT compiler for virtual machine enabled". If you do not see these options either, you will need to install the Microsoft VM as described above.
If you are still experiencing problems running Elf, send an email to .