64-bit java acting like 32-bit Java after installing Java 8 Update 20 - Weird

Question

I tried to install Aptana Studio 3 on my laptop, but after installation, it gave me the error "Could not load the JNI shared library ... " when I tried to run it. A google search told me that it needed 32-bit Java installation. Since my installation is 64-bit, I was sure it would not work. I did not try again. Just then a pop-up came that there was a new update of java available for my system, Java 8 Update 20 . Previously I was on Java 8 update 11 . I did the update and then a restart. After that, I tried running the Aptana Studio 3 once more, and to my surprise it was working perfectly.

But then I came onto a doubt and tried to run Eclipse (mine is 64-bit) and I was shown the problem "Java was started and returned with exit code=13" , which a google search told me that I was trying to run 64-bit eclipse on a 32-bit Java installation. So I did a "java -version" and it is now showing me I have a 32-bit Java installation.

All these happened in 10 minutes. I mean I was using Eclipse this morning before the update.

I never knew this could even happen. I regularly use Eclipse and I know I have a 64-bit Java installed, and the PATH is also set correctly.

I have no idea what is going on, but I need my Eclipse to be up and running, I am in the middle of my android application project, and now I have no clue. Please help!

OS : Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 64-bit

I am attaching two screenshots.

Answer 1

Modify eclipse.ini and set vm property to your preferred JVM:

-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_51\bin\javaw.exe

This makes eclipse run on a JVM which is independent of what is specified by JAVA_HOME or PATH . See this for more details.

Answer 2

You had installed both types of Java (32-bit and 64-bit) (Java 8 Update 11).

The Java version updated was only the 32-bit version (I cannot tell you why).

On start Java always uses the most current version which is 32-bit in your case.