Java exec can't run program, error = 2

Question

I'm trying to run R.exe from a Java application with Java exec. R is in the Environment Variables and if I execute it from cmd with "R" command it works. If I execute an example instruction in Java and try to open notepad it works:

Runtime rt = Runtime.getRuntime();
Process p = rt.exec("notepad");

But when I try to open R with this instruction:

Process p = rt.exec("R");

it gives me this kind of error:

java.io.IOException: Cannot run program "R": CreateProcess error=2

what could be? why cant I open R from Java?

@Enrico Tedeschi Is "R" set in the `Path` of a specific user or is it set system wide ? Usually when you run a program from an IDE is run as administrator so if "R" is set only in the `Path` of a specific user that can be the problem. — Titus, Jan 19 '15 at 16:09
its in the system Path, if I execute it from cmd it works in every directory. It doesnt work only in Java — Enrico Tedeschi, Jan 19 '15 at 16:14
It is blind shot but could you try something like `"cmd /C R"` as command? — Pshemo, Jan 19 '15 at 16:21
I've tried with this: `Process p = rt.exec("cmd /C R");` and it doesnt show me the error as before, I can catch it and it print me this: `'R' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.` — Enrico Tedeschi, Jan 19 '15 at 16:27
and of course if I try it from cmd it works perfectly @Pshemo — Enrico Tedeschi, Jan 19 '15 at 16:38

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 19 '15 at 16:03

1

You need to ensure that the Windows PATH includes the directory that R resides in for this to work

CreateProcess error=2 indicates the file can not be found

answered Jan 19 '15 at 16:03

Alan Barrows

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it works if I execute it directly from cmd in each directory I'm. It just doesnt work in Java with exec command – Enrico Tedeschi Jan 19 '15 at 16:05
what about using ProcessBuilder `ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder("R", "", "", "", "");Process p = pb.start();` – Alan Barrows Jan 19 '15 at 16:14

Java exec can't run program, error = 2

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