SQL Developer Error Messages: "Enter the full pathname for java.exe" and "Cannot find a J2SE SDK installed at path"

Yesterday, I downloaded SQL Developer 3 with SDK and was able to use it just fine. After shutting down my PC last night and booting it up again this morning, every time I try to run it, I get this message:

"Enter the full pathname for java.exe"

I browse to C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\java.exe where the EXE is located and I get this message:

"Cannot find a J2SE SDK installed at path C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\java.exe"

What could be the issue here when it was working just fine yesterday? I will add that my PC did freeze last night during shutdown, so I ended up having to power it off, but I don't know if that's relevant.

I reinstalled Java and it still gives the same message. I also downloaded SQL Developer without the SDK and get the same message. I will also add that I am not actually installing SQL Developer, just running the executable from the folder. I don't think you actually install it anyway.

Anyone know what could be causing this? I am on Windows 7 32-bit.

"jre6" in the folder name implies you have JRE installed there, and not the SDK. Point it to somewhere where you have java.exe of a JDK/SDK installation, instead of JRE, and from thereon it should work.

If you had to power off during shutdown, it might've not been able to save the SDK reference, thus asking it on the next startup.

If your jdk file gets stuck on asking for the jdk file on repeat in windows 7, or you are having problems with the jdk file, try running SQLDeveloper as administrator rather than just the regular startup.