Set Permanent Environmental Variable in Windows XP

Question

I want to set environmental variables permanently through a batch file. Is there a command to set Permanent Environmental Variable (other than SETX) for Windows XP service pack 3?

command SETX JAVA_HOME="C:\java\jdk-1.4" is not supported in my machine. It is Windows XP service pack 3.

Solution

Per user settings command line:

% reg add KEY  /v JAVA_HOME /t REG_SZ /d "C:\java\jdk-1.4"

For user only settings replace KEY with:

HKCU\Environment

For per machine settings replace KEY with:

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment

(Attention: there is a space in the last key, quote it with " !)

Comments

[quack quixote]

you mean specifically via command-line? or will a control panel suffice?

[The Beast]

I want to do it through the batch file since it should be done for several machines.

[Mark Mikofski]

You can also use SETX. See this superuser post.

[Jaime Hablutzel]

He said specifically that setx is not an option

[The Beast]

hey can u tell me where can i find similar commands like this one.

[akira]

define "similar". modifying the registry? thats not so similar to, lets say, deleting files. best way to find things is to have a problem and to search for an answer here on superuser and, if nothing fits, ask your next question

[The Beast]

hey hey thank. Got what i wanted. Good work. Saved the day.Thanks again.

[Sam]

@shyameniw you told akira suggestion done fine, please say your complete command. thanks

[akira]

@MJM: the command is the one i posted. right there, 2nd line.