How do I download and install Java for Firefox ?

Installing Java

Printable Version

This article applies to:

Platform(s):
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows XP (SP1 SP2), Windows 2003
Browser(s):
Firefox
JRE version(s):
1.5.0

The procedure to install the JRE broadly consists of:

Download and Install
Enable and Configure
Test Installation

Windows system requirements

Platform	Version	Memory	Browsers	Diskspace
WINDOWS IA32-bit
Intel 32-bit	Windows XP Professional (SP1)	64mb	Mozilla 1.4+ IE 5.5+	98MB
	Windows XP Home	64mb
	Windows 2000 Professional (SP3+)	64mb
	Windows 98 (2nd Edition)	64mb
	Windows ME	64mb
	Windows Server 2003, Web Edition	128mb
	Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition	128mb
	Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition	128mb
	Windows Server 2003, DataCenter Edition	128mb

WINDOWS Opteron 32-bit
AMD Opteron 32-bit	Windows Server 2003, AMD Opteron 32 bit	128mb
AMD Opteron 32-bit
WINDOWS Opteron 64-bit
AMD Opteron 64-bit	Windows Server 2003 (AMD Opteron 64 bit)	128mb			(Not supported)	110MB
AMD Opteron 64-bit

Download and Install

Go to Java.com
Click on the Java Software Download button.
At the windows_manual.jsp page, click on Windows XP/Vista/2000/2003 Online link.
For FireFox 0.8 and 0.9: Click Install Now
For Firefox 1.0+: You will see an information bar at the top of web page with text message To protect your computer, FireFox prevented this site (www.java.com) from installing software on your computer. Click on the Edit Options button.

Firefox information bar: Click on Edit Options

The Allowed Sites dialog box opens. Click on the Allow button to add www.java.com to the allowed site list. Then click on the OK button. You are giving permission to install software from java.com. On subsequent installations, you will not be asked to add java.com to the list again.

Firefox Allowed Sites: Add www.java.com to the list

The download process starts. During the download, a progress window lets you know the estimated time remaining for the download to finish. The download can take anywhere from a few seconds on a fast Internet connection to half an hour or more on a very slow connection. Once the download is over the installation process will start automatically.

Java Plug-in Auto Download Progress Indicator

The JRE installation starts:

The installer "unpacks" the files needed to continue. A dialog box tracks this process, which takes less than a minute. After briefly displaying a logo splash screen, the installer presents the license agreement.

Java Runtime Environment 5.0 Software License Agreement

After reading the agreement, click the I accept the terms in the license agreement button to accept its terms and click Next to continue with the installation.

The installer then displays a Setup Type screen that allows you to choose either a typical or custom setup. We recommend that you choose the Typical option (the default selection) unless you are an advanced user who wants more precise control over the components that will be installed.

Java Runtime Environment 5.0 Setup Type Dialog

After ensuring that the Typical setup is selected, click the Next button to continue with the installation.

Now that you have given the installer all of the information it needs to proceed, progress boxes track the installation process.

Java Runtime Environment 5.0 Setup Status Indicator

A few brief dialogs confirm the last steps of the installation process, and a concluding message appears with the confirmation "Installation Completed OK."

Enable and Configure
Once the installation is complete, ensure that the JRE is enabled and configured properly for applets and applications. For instructions to enable the JRE for the browser, such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla, or Netscape, go to:
Enable Java Runtime Environment 5.0 through the Control Panel
Enable Java Runtime Environment 5.0 through your Web browser
Configuring proxy settings for Java Runtime Environment 5.0

Test Installation
To test that the JRE is installed, enabled and working properly on your computer, run this test applet from our web site:
Test your Java Runtime Environment

NEED MORE HELP?

If you require further assistance, please make sure you check through our Help and FAQ sections thoroughly. We probably have a page that answers your question.

You may find information on the following topics in the Help section:
Installation Instructions
Configuration
Error Messages
Applet Application

Help Resources

>	Installing Java
>	Configuring Java
>	Error Messages
>	Applet Application
>	Legal

FAQ

>	General Questions
>	Java for Mobile Devices