Error: x64.exe not a valid Win32 application

This article applies to:
  • Platform(s): Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP, Windows 10
  • Java version(s): 7.0, 8.0
SYMPTOMS

While trying to install Java a user gets an error message similar to:
C:\Documents and Settings\ ... x64.exe not a valid Win32 application
CAUSE

The error message is a result of trying to install a 64-bit version of Java on a 32-bit operating system.
SOLUTION

User needs to install a 32-bit version of Java software, since a 64-bit version is not compatible with their 32-bit operating system.

Follow these steps to download 32-bit Java
  1. Go to Manual download
  2. Click Windows Online.
  3. Save the file to a known location on your computer, for example, to your desktop
  4. Double-click on the saved file icon to start the installation process.