How to configure Chrome's Java plugin so it uses an existing JDK in the machine

Question

When installing JDK in my machines (Windows 7), I do the following.

1. install latest 1.7 JDK with the Oracle installer (just the JDK, no JRE)
2. copy the install folder, to the place I really want, remove samples, etc.
3. uninstall Java
4. set %JAVA_HOME%, add %JAVA_HOME%\bin to %Path%

Then I synchronise that folder in all my machines so I keep it updated (with unlimited cryptography stuff, jssecacerts, java.policy, endorsed libraries, etc).

BUT this has one big caveat, when Chrome needs to use load a page that uses Java, it thinks Java is not installed and wants to install it. I don't want to install it as it would mess with my 'hand-installed' JDK.

So is there a way to configure Chrome so it uses the JDK in my disk? I have both JDK 32-bit and JDK 64-bit, so that is not a problem (I guess I would need to use the 32-bit one with Chrome).

I found a question in the Chrome project, How do I have the Chrome Java plugin reference an existing JDK without reinstalling Java?, but no replies so far...

UPDATE: for Ubuntu, see Kalyan's answer

UPDATE: I still continue to use this approach successfully, last time with 1.7.0_21 on win7

UPDATE for 1.7.45: the path in the windows registry now is [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins]

Answer 1

Apparently, Chrome addresses a key in Windows registry when it looks for a Java Environment. Since the plugin installs the JRE, this key is set to a JRE path and therefore needs to be edited if you want Chrome to work with the JDK.

1. Run the plugin installer anyways.
2. Start -> Run (Winkey+R) and then type in regedit to edit the registry.
3. Find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin.
4. Export it as a reg file to say, your desktop (right-click and select Export).
5. Uninstall the JRE (Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs). This should delete the key above, explaining the need to export it in the first place.
6. Open the reg file exported to your desktop with a text editor (such as Notepad++).

7. Edit "Path" so that it matches the corresponding dll inside your JDK installation:

   REGEDIT 4
   
   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin]
   "Description"="Oracle® Next Generation Java™ Plug-In"
   "GeckoVersion"="1.9"
   
   "Path"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_29\jre\bin\new_plugin\npjp2.dll"
   
   "ProductName"="Oracle® Java™ Plug-In"
   "Vendor"="Oracle Corp."
   "Version"="160_29"
   

8. Save file.

9. Double click modified reg file to add keys to your registry.

The REGEDIT 4 prefix at the top of the file might only be required for Windows 7 64-bit.