Application error: The memory could not be read.

This article applies to:

• Platform(s): Windows 98 , Windows ME , Windows 2000 , Windows XP , Windows 2003
• Browser(s): All Browsers
• Java version(s): 1.4.2_xx

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SYMPTOMS

While attempting to install Java, a message box apears with the following error:

IKernel.exe - Application error

The Instruction at "0x771c741a" referenced memory at
"0x0..." (any number).

The memory could not be read.

Click on OK to terminate the program

CAUSE

The IKernel.exe application error may be due to one of the following reasons:

1. The InstallShield engine (iKernel.exe) or one of its component files in \Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine folder may be damaged, corrupted, or read-only.
2. The InstallShield engine (iKernel.exe) or one of its component files in \Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine folder was left on the system by an older version of the InstallShield installer (and is now incompatible with the version that Java Installer uses).
3. You are trying to install Java on a Windows XP machine with service pack 1 and Windows XP Hotfix Q328310 applied.

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SOLUTION

Following are the possible resolutions for this error. Choose the appropriate method for your computer.

• Generic Solutions
1. Rename or remove the old InstallShield engine folder
2. Update InstallShield Engine

Generic Solution

Solution #1: Rename or remove the old InstallShield engine folder iKernel.exe is the InstallShield program file.

Java setup program copies InstallShield engine files to the hard disk during Java installation. These files are copied to the folder "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield". Assuming your system drive is C:. This InstallShield folder is used as a temporary folder by Java setup program. After you install the program, the contents of this folder are no longer needed or used.

The iKernel.exe application error may occur if the InstallShield engine (iKernel.exe) or one of its component files in "\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine" folder is damaged, corrupt, or has read-only permission. This error may also occur if the InstallShield engine (iKernel.exe) or one of its component files in folder "\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine" was left on the system by an older version of the InstallShield program. This is incompatible with the current version of InstallShield used by Java installer. The user should either rename or delete this folder and rerun the setup. The InstallShield installer will then replace or install the correct engine files if they are not found on the computer. To rename the InstallShield engine folder perform the following steps:

1. Launch Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Start menu on the system status bar and select Explorer. You can also invoke Windows Explorer by pressing Windows Key + E on your keyboard.
2. Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine
3. Right-click the highlighted engine folder and select Delete.
4. Click Yes in the Confirm Folder Delete message box.

UPDATE Ikernel
Download the latest version of the iKernel engine by clicking the link below and save it to your Desktop. iKernel Update

Source:http://www.java.com/en/download/help/ikernel.xml