Java Attach API: changing java.library.path dynamically

Question

When using the com.sun.tools.attach API on my Windows machine, I get the following error when making a call to

VirtualMachine.list()

Answer 1

Just found a link that might answer your question

"The java.library.path is read only once when the JVM starts up. If you change this property using System.setProperty, it won't make any difference."

http://fahdshariff.blogspot.jp/2011/08/changing-java-library-path-at-runtime.html

Answer 2

System.setProperty("java.library.path", System.getProperty("java.library.path") + File.pathSeparator + FOLDER_THAT_CONTAINS_ATTACH_DLL);

Answer 3

Your System.setProperty("java.library.path", StringOfThePathToTheAttach.dll); should work. My guess is that you're calling it too late. In other words, there is an attempt to access the DLL prior to you setting the property.

Can you output the current value for java.library.path after the property is set in code and again before the offending method call?

i.e. If you see "Before attach.dll call" output prior to seeing "After setting property", you know where your problem is.

Edit:

A better way to point to native libraries is to use System.load(StringOfThePathToTheAttach.dll) - again, before the offending line of code.