How to configure Tomcat to use Java 7

If you're using Windows, this helps. Run Tomcat helper app (tomcatw.exe) and simply configure Java Virtual Machine DLL path under Java tab. Use default must be unchecked.

You answered your own question.! :) All You need to do is link java 7 in your JAVA_HOME.!

More Info Here

Edit : (Based on alfabravo's comment :

You can definitely change the pointer to JAVA_HOME in your catalina.bat/sh

In Eclipse it is very easy to point Tomcat to a new JVM (in this example JDK7). My problem was I couldn't find where to do it. Here is the trick:

1. On the ECLIPSE top menu FILE pull down tab, select NEW, -->Other
2. ...on the New Server: Select A Wizard window, select: Server-> Server... click NEXT
3. . on the New Server: Define a New Server window, select Apache> Tomcat 7 Server
4. ..now click the line in blue and underlined entitled: Configure Runtime Environments
5. on the Server Runtime Environments window,
6. ..select Apache, expand it(click on the arrow to the left), select TOMCAT v7.0, and click EDIT.
7. you will see a window called EDIT SERVER RUNTIME ENVIRONMENT: TOMCAT SERVER
8. On this screen there is a pulldown labeled JREs.
9. You should find your JRE listed like JDK1.7.0. If not use the Installed JRE button.
10. Select the desired JRE. Click the FINISH button.
11. Gracefully exit, in the Server: Server Runtime Environments window, click OK
12. in the New Server: Define a new Server window, hit NEXT
13. in the New Server: Add and Remove Window, select apps and install them on the server.
14. in the New Server: Add and Remove Window, click Finish

Thats all. Interesting, only steps 7-10 seem to matter, and they will change the JRE used on all servers you have previously defined to use TOMCAT v7.0. The rest of the steps are just because I can't find any other way to get to the screen except by defining a new server. Does anyone else know an easier way?

TA, Jalkin