Launching OCHRE, Trouble-shooting

By Sandra Schloen, January 2017

Updated July 2017; September 2019; March 2021

If you are having trouble starting up OCHRE please read the suggestions appropriate to your operating system. Java accommodates the 64-bit system architecture, the use of which is becoming more prevalent among our user base, and so we have set OCHRE to take advantage of this. The 64-bit version will result in a better user experience if your system will support it, and so we highly recommend taking the steps to ensure that you are using the most effective configuration.

Please note: if you are working with a 64-bit computer, verify that only the 64-bit version of Java is installed. When Java begins to launch, then fails, this is typically due to a conflict between 32-bit and 64-bit installations of Java.

(In rare cases, advanced users may choose to configure both 32-bit and 64-bit installations of Java. This may be necessary if you use various Java applications, some of which are only distributed as 32-bit apps.)

For Java options, see Installing Java.

If you are a Macintosh user:

  • Be sure your Software Updates are up to date.

  • Go to your System Preferences, Java panel and Delete all Temporary Internet Files as described here.

  • Trash any out of date OCHRE icons on your dock or desktop.

  • From the OCHRE website, click the Start OCHRE link (or any of the Cross-platform startup links). If you are notified that your Java is out of date, let your system go ahead and update Java.

  • If the start up process is blocked because OCHRE is not a "trusted" app, go to your System Preferences, Security and Privacy panel and tell it to Open anyway, as described here.

  • Contact us if you have further problems.

If you are a Windows user:

Please begin by checking your computer's System Properties (e.g. "My Computer" or "This PC"). You need to know:

  • are you running a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?

  • how much RAM do you have?

System Properties

Check Which Java Version is Installed

Next, check which version(s) of Java are installed. Go to your System Settings (e.g. "Add or remove programs" or "Programs and Features") and scroll down to find Java listed. If "(64-bit)" is not listed next to the Java version then it is a 32-bit version of Java. Be sure your version of Java matches the Operating System. That is, if you have a 64-bit operating system we recommend you use a 64-bit version of Java.

As noted above, remove all versions of Java other than the 64-bit installation (unless you have intentionally configured your PC to run both versions).

To get rid of old versions, use the Uninstall option.

To get a new 64-bit version, use this link.

Select the version appropriate to your operating system.

If you do not need to Uninstall or Install Java (because you only have one version installed and it is the correct version) we suggest you clear the Java cache on your local drive for a fresh start. See the instructions described by FAQ#6. There should be no OCHRE-related shortcuts left on your desktop when this process is finished. Also, remove any OCHRE icons or shortcuts you may have pinned to the Taskbar or to the Start Menu.

If you have installed a new version of Java be sure to change its security settings (the site exception list) to allow access to the OCHRE website as described by FAQ#15.

Finally, go to the OCHRE website and click on an appropriate launch link to start up OCHRE.

  • For a 32-bit machine (with any amount of RAM) you will need to use the "32-bit Low-memory option" under Alternate Versions

  • For a 64-bit machine with less than 4 GB of RAM you will also need to use the "32-bit Low-memory option" under Alternate Versions

  • For a 64-bit machine with at least 4 GB of RAM you can use any of the options, except the "32-bit Low-memory option"

  • Note that we only support Java 8 -- not versions prior to Java 8, nor those subsequent to it.

Once you have OCHRE running, check the Project, About OCHRE menu option to confirm your installation details.

About OCHRE

Still having problems? Please contact us.

On Windows 64-bit systems, sometimes the Java auto-updates may be problematic. If you had already installed a 64-bit version and allowed Java to Auto-update to this new release, you may have received a 32-bit version instead. See the above information to determine if you have a 32-bit version and, if so, remove ("Uninstall") it. If you also have the 64-bit version of Java 8 then you are likely to be able to start up OCHRE from the "Start OCHRE" link on our website, or using any of the themed 64-bit startup links.

Otherwise, go to your Control Panel - Java option (or Search for "Configure Java"), click the Update tab, and then click the Update Now button. This should update to the latest 64-bit version of Java 8. Alternatively, the latest 64-bit version is available at this link,

Update Java