Cannot "Install New Software" in Eclipse 3.5

Question

I have just installed Eclipse 3.5 for Java EE developers ("Galileo").

I need to add an extra plugin, but when I select the "Install New Software ..." menu item, nothing happens. Literally nothing - no dialog opens, no error message is displayed. If I have the Debug window open, no message are displayed.

If I go to Preferences -> Install/Update -> Available Software Sites, that dialog opens OK, I can manage the list of update sites, and test the connections, and they all appear OK. But I cannot get to use them to actually install anything.

Is it just broken, or could there be something more subtle wrong?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Something you can try:

• Delete (rename/move) your workspace and try again. Be sure to backup all your projects and settings.
• Download the plugin "manually" and use Eclipse>Window>Preferences>Install/Update>Available Software Sites to add it locally.
• Download the plugin "manually" and use Eclipse>Window>Help>Software Updates>Available Software>Add site>Archive, find the directory on your HDD and add it.

Answer 2

Start by checking you error log. Under Window -> Show View -> Error Log. See if you're getting any exception while trying to install new software.

You can also install by downloading the plugin and unzipping it in the dropins folder.

Answer 3

I ran into the same problem. There seems to be a bug related to the finish button (I am assuming this is the same problem you are experiencing). The way I got around it is by clicking on the finish button (or next, or whichever button is not working for you) and press the 'Enter' key. It's annoying. Seems to be an issue with how Eclipse is integrating with GTK.

Answer 4

GDK_NATIVE_WINDOWS=true also solved the non-clickable button problem for me running gnome 2.28.1 with Ubuntu Karmic (9.10) x64 with kernel 2.6.31-14-generic

Answer 5

I`m wondering if this help http://abdallao.blogspot.com/2010/04/eclipse-install-new-software-does-not.html

Answer 6

I had the same problem, took a look at the error log and changed the launcher from "/usr/bin/eclipse" to "sudo /usr/bin/eclipse", it was a permissions thing...

Answer 7

I had the same problem in windows... and spent couple of hours to "somehow" install the new softwares.

Anyway I will explain you how I managed to install it after trying many options.. 1. Start a fresh copy of eclipse 2. First tick two check boxes(Show only latest version & Contact all update sites). Make sure the check box of group items is untick. 3. Try to add software... If not showing the list of plugins/Next buttons. 4. Delete the copy of eclipse. 5. Start a fresh copy of eclipse 6. Tick only the check box for Contact all update sites. 7. Now try to add plugins. It worked for me...

Even if it sounds crap... it worked for me..

Answer 8

I had the exact the same problem. What I found out is that I installed the eclipse as root user. Therefore, I need to be a root user in order to launch "Install New Software".