The Problem:

Running the eclipse installer on a Mac produces a window with the message, "Failed to create the Java Virtual Machine". The issue is that Eclipse does not work with the latest Java Development Kit (jdk14) or vice versa.

The Solution

There are three steps to the solution.
  1. Remove the offending JDK.
  2. Install an older JDK
  3. Install Eclipse.

Step 1: Remove the new JDK.

  1. Open up a Finder window.

  2. In the "Go" menu select "Go To Folder..."

  3. Type in /Library/Java and click "Go"

  4. Open "JavaVirtualMachines"

  5. Right Click (or Ctrl-Click, if you only have one button) on "jdk-14.jdk" and select "Move To Trash..."

  6. You will need to type in your password to remove this folder.

Step 2: Install an older JDK

  1. Download the older jdk from http://cs.gettysburg.edu/~cpresser/dept/jdk-8u241-macosx-x64.dmg

  2. Open the file you downloaded: jdk-8u241-macosx-x64.dmg

  3. Double click "JDK 8 Update 241.pkg"

  4. Follow the instructions.

I made the download available for ease of use. If you don't trust my download, that is ok, you can create an account and download it from Oracle. The account is free and easy as any other account to make.

Step 3: Install Eclipse

I assume you've attempted to install eclipse and that is why you are here. If you deleted it, download it again. If you need it, I have a copy.

  1. Open the installer you downloaded, "eclipse-inst-mac64.dmg"

  2. Double click the "Eclipse Installer" on you desktop, if it asks "Are you sure you want to open it?", click "Open"".

  3. Select "Eclipse IDE for Java Developers.

  4. Click "Install"

Still having issues?

If something isn't working, or not behaving how you would expect it, feel free to contact me at cpresser@gettysburg.edu. If there was a specific step you were stuck on, include it in the email along with any error messages you get. I'm happy to help.