java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Bad version number in .class file

Question

I am getting the follwing error while running selenium testcase.

 java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Bad version number in .class file

I have checked all the versions of java in eclispse and they are correct.

Please it would be greatful if you can help me out.

Answer 1

UnsupportedClassVersionError occurs typically when you have .class (typically in .jar-file) that has been compiled with higher version of java than virtual machine trying to run it. For example you have a .class-file that is compiled with JDK 6 and you are trying to run it with 1.4 JVM.

Check your PATH variable and test java -version command etc. Also check this thread for couple typical issues that cause this problem.

Answer 2

This error is due to mismatch in your Java Versions. Follow the following steps

• Type Regedit in run and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\JavaSoft\\Java Runtime Environment\\
• See the version number mentioned in the registry
• Download the same version and place it in your computer
• Set JAVA_HOME to the jdk directory in environment variables
• Add %JAVA_HOME%\\bin;%JAVA_HOME%\\jre\\bin to the path variable

Now check again.