Fix Java was Started but Returned Exit Code=13 in Eclipse
If you are getting an error saying “Java was Started but Returned Exit Code=13” during Eclipse installation, then there is a fix for that. Even I faced this problem during eclipse installation on my windows operating system. After searching on google, I found that many of the users facing a similar issue with Eclipse. If you are one of them, then here is the solution for the error.
Reasons for Java was Started but Returned Exit Code=13 Error:
Before going to the solution, let us know why it is showing that error. If you know the problem with this issue, we can easily fix that error.
Reason 1: The most common reason behind this problem is, we are trying to install different bit version-that is 64 bit or 32-bit version of the software. It may be either Eclipse or Java.
Reason 2: Configuration mistake in Eclipse.ini file
Reason 3: Special characters ( #, !, @) in Eclipse installation directory
Reason 4: You may be using latest version of Eclipse, but you might be using wrong version or unsupported version of Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
Reason 5: Issue with your Environment Path Variable
The above are the main reasons causing that Exit code =13 in eclipse. Now let us know how to fix that error.
How to Fix – Java was Started but Returned Exit Code=13 Error in Eclipse
The Solution for Reason 1:
Check which version of operating system you are running. To check that, open windows explorer by pressing a Win+E key on your keyboard.
Now on This PC (My Computer) which you found on the left side, Select that and right click on the mouse. In that pop-up menu choose Properties option. When you click that properties option you will see system properties window. In that window have a look on “System Type” option.
In that System type, you will see 64-bit Operating System. That’s what we need to know.
Now we know which version of the operating system we are running.
After knowing operating system version, make sure you downloaded the 64-bit version of Eclipse as well as a 64-bit version of Java software.
If you downloaded 32-bit version (X86) of Java or eclipse any one of them, you will get that Exit code=13 error.
Please double check the versions which you have downloaded. Because during installation it won’t show any error regarding the incompatible version. It will install smoothly.
In my case, I have installed the 32-bit version of Java so I’m getting that error.
The solution for Reason 2:
Maybe you might have made a mistake in configuring Eclipse.ini file, which can be found on Eclipse directory itself. You can check this official guide if needed.
Here the few important rules to be noted while specifying -VM option
- The -vm option and its value (the path) must be on separate lines.
- The value must be the full absolute or relative path to the Java executable, not just to the Java home directory.
- The -vm option must occur before the -vmargs option since everything after -vmargs is passed directly to the JVM.
You can check the below screenshot of my working Eclipse.ini configuration.
The solution for Reason 3:
You have might have special characters like #, !, @ in eclipse installation directory. That is, if your eclipse installation address contains any special characters, then it shows that error. So make sure you don’t have any special characters.
Example:
Before fixing special character
C:\# IDE\eclipse 3.7\
Have you noticed that “#” character?
After fixing that special character in address
C:\IDE\eclipse 3.7\
and that solved the problem.
Reason 4 Solution:
Maybe you are using latest eclipse version and unsupported Java version.
To check which version of Java you are using open command prompt by pressing a win+R key and type cmd and press Enter. Now in that console type Java -version command to know java version.
Now research whether Eclipse supports that version or not.
(or)
You can open “readme” folder in Eclipse folder and open readme_eclipse.html to see which version it supports.
(or)
I recommend you to download both Java and eclipse the latest version.
Reason 5 Solution:
For some user after removing some system variable entry on “Environment Variable” it started working.
To do that.
Search for “System Variable” and Select “Edit the System Environment Variable” option.
After that, choose “Advanced” tab >> Environment Variables.. >> Select “Path” >> click “Edit” and then remove the first entry. That is, “C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;”
Click on the image to enlarge
Hope you have fixed Java was Started but Returned Exit Code=13 Error in Eclipse by following this post. Let us know which reason causing you that error by the comment.
