Every now and then this message that I need to install Microsoft VM to ‘view this page properly’ pops up. When I select Download, it will get to a certain percent and then stop.
The system is Windows 95, so how do I downloand this Virtual Machine, and if anyone knows, just what good is it?
Thanks.
lindsay
Don’t know how old the 95 is, or which version. I will ask someone.
The message pops up rather frequently, it gives the options to Download, Cancel and Never Download Any of These Components.
It says there are 4.9 MB - whatever that is - and Install time is approximately 42 minutes.
This is rather new to me, about all I know how to do is receive and send e-mail.
Thanks for your answer. It was more concise than the gibberish I got from Microsoft.
lindsay
A Virtual Machine is a feature that makes 16 bit applications more stable when running in a 32-bit/16-bit environment.
In a nutshell a Virtual Machine takes a section of memory and blocks it out from the rest of the system, giving it to a certain 16 bit application (since 16 bit applications HATE sharing memory). This allows the 32-bit applications (that share memory well) exist with the 16 bit applications.
The VM helps maintain system integrity when a 16 bit application crashes, minimizing the effect on other programs and keeping the whole system from crashing. Since 16 bit applications would normally use all the memory and processor ability in the system, if they crash while running the whole machine crashes. If a VM is running and crashed it only blocks a portion of memory that the system can then rescue by killing the VM, but the processor and other applications (like windows) can survive.
The message you are getting is most likely in Internet Explorer. IE has it’s own separate VM generator to generate VM’s for script and java applets so when they crash they don’t take down the whole system (or IE).
In short, if you like to keep ruinning smoothly, even after things crash you want VM’s.
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You always use violence. I should’ve ordered glutinous rice chicken.
That’s odd. I thought for sure VM is their version of Java because the brains there at Java won’t let Mickeysoft use the Java.
Actually Handy, Microsoft does have a version of Java called Visual J++. Virtual Machines were in the Win 95 code before Java existed. Trust me on this one, I know.
VM’s are a tool to help 16 bit and 32 bit applications run separately.
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You always use violence. I should’ve ordered glutinous rice chicken.
Actually, Microsoft has several virtual machines, for different purposes. However since the OP mentioned the need to install the VM to ‘view this page properly,’ implying that Lindsay is using Internet Explorer, this problem almost certainly results from an old version of the Java virtual machine.
I recommend you go to Microsoft Windows Update and update most everything it recommends.
Even better, get Windows 98 (although you still have to go to the Update page noted above to get the most up-to-date fixes for 98.
He’s the sort to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armor, shouting ‘All Gods are Bastards!’
Actually they all have the same purpose, just some are made for different environments. Some are for running windows native apps, some for net based apps, and so on. The over all reason though is memory allocation to non 32-bit applications to preserve system integrity.
Voted Biggest Smartass by all you beautiful people!
You always use violence. I should’ve ordered glutinous rice chicken.
Well, no, the java vm is for interpreting java byte code, doing garbage collection, handling java/os integration, threading(?) and all that other fun stuff a java environment is required to do. I don’t think you can really characterise java applets (or the java VM) as non-32 bit applications either.
My mistake, the Java VM is used to be able to digest Java code on a Windows machine while maintaining system integrity.
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You always use violence. I should’ve ordered glutinous rice chicken.
Just tried Installing the Microsoft VM, and then this message showed:
Could not decode this setup (CAB)file.
Now what do I do about that?
lindsay
Lindsay: Upgrade to Win 98.
The message you’re getting is a Java error. Micro$oft’s Virtual Machine is an example of what they call the “Embrace & Extend” tactic: they take an industry standard that is beating their competing product (activeX in this case), and make their own version. At first, this version is compatible, just different. But eventually they add “special enhancements” that nobody else has, in the expectation that their version will sweep the nation and become the new standard. Voila!! Micro$oft controls a new market. They did the same thing with HTML (ever seen “this page enhanced for Internet Explorer” while reading a web page?) a few years ago.
The update is the result of a lawsuit by Sun Microsystems, the maker of the real Java. M$ violated the licensing for Java when they made it incompatible, thus defeating the whole purpose of its existence (a 100% multi-platform portable application space).
Sun sued, Micro$oft lost, and the court ordered them to make their Java VM compliant.
You can get the update from M$'s website, or from your computer manufacturer, and it should be free.
Upgrading to Win98 will not fix the problem. (Win98 SE MAY have the update included…I’m not sure)
Joe_Cool