How to configure Chrome’s Java plugin so it uses an existing JDK in the machine

Apparently, Chrome addresses a key in Windows registry when it looks for a Java Environment. Since the plugin installs the JRE, this key is set to a JRE path and therefore needs to be edited if you want Chrome to work with the JDK.

1. Run the plugin installer anyways.
2. Start -> Run (Winkey+R) and then type in regedit to edit the registry.
3. Find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin.
4. Export it as a reg file to say, your desktop (right-click and select Export).
5. Uninstall the JRE (Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs). This should delete the key above, explaining the need to export it in the first place.
6. Open the reg file exported to your desktop with a text editor (such as Notepad++).

7. Edit “Path” so that it matches the corresponding dll inside your JDK installation:

   REGEDIT 4
   
   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin]
   "Description"="Oracle® Next Generation Java™ Plug-In"
   "GeckoVersion"="1.9"
   
   "Path"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_29\jre\bin\new_plugin\npjp2.dll"
   
   "ProductName"="Oracle® Java™ Plug-In"
   "Vendor"="Oracle Corp."
   "Version"="160_29"
   

8. Save file.

9. Double click modified reg file to add keys to your registry.

The REGEDIT 4 prefix at the top of the file might only be required for Windows 7 64-bit.