Java Updating - Always a Hassle?

baumgrenze · 21 Oct 2014

Once again I find myself with 'real things to do' and updating Java. Boy is this a love/hate relationship. Why can't Oracle get this right?

I successfully downloaded and installed 8.25 (avoiding the 'free bloatware' bundled with it.) I ran the uninstall routine and was assured that I'd successfully uninstalled all previous version.

Just to be sure, I closed SeaMonkey ( Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; WOW64; rv:33.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/33.0 SeaMonkey/2.30 Build identifier: 20141013232806) and went to Oracle's (Java Uninstall Tool) and sure enough Java 7 Update 67 was apparently still there and could not be uninstalled with error code is 1605.

Sure enough, I found a recommendation that I run Javara. Moments later I was on the MajorGeeks download mirror and found myself facing an 'in my face' you need to run this test first to check for problems with my Windows installation. Instead of Javara the file presented was Reimage. I backed out. I didn't want to go to the next step of verifying that what I was about to do was legit.

I guess I'm damned because:

a) I have enough technical savvy to be suspicious

b) I'm not geek enough to take pleasure in researching all the possible byways I've encountered in updating a minor part of my Web experience.

thanks,

baumgrenze

Callender · 21 Oct 2014

I've used JavaRa in the past with no problems. Currently I don't have java installed and don't need it!

I tried the MajorGeeks download and got - JavaRa

You can try the author's website if you like:

JavaRa - SingularLabs

matts6887 · 21 Oct 2014

now that you mention it; I havent updated my java in quite awhile. I just hope I dont encounter the same issues(not being able to uninstall the previous version etc.). As for your issue; I would try downloading, installing, and running revo uninstaller and hopefully that will uninstall it for you. Here is the link to that:

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

gregrocker · 21 Oct 2014

I would not run Java because of the ongoing security threats, unless you are prompted to install it to make a program work. I would strongly consider not using the program or uninstall Java as soon as it's used until needed again.

ThrashZone · 23 Oct 2014

Hi,
I find it hard to believe Java is a pest,
Oracle is on a quarterly update schedule making it one of the most Unsecure utilities to have around,
Interesting reads,
http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2013/01/java-zero-day-again-time-to.html
http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2013/04/16/how-to-protect-your-computer-against-dangerous-java-applets.aspx

Layback Bear · 24 Oct 2014

Because I'm a home user I have a choice.

Simple.
If a program needs Java to run, I don't need that program. I will find a program to do the job without Java.

For me their is enough security risk on the internet without intentionally downloading one. Java with quarterly updates. You know how much damage a poor program can do in 3 months.

A Guy · 24 Oct 2014

I uninstalled Java quite some time ago. I have only had one program wanting it, and I found an alternative. It is a major security risk, and I have removed that risk. Replace Adobe reader with an alternative, and you have removed 2 major attack vectors. A Guy

pbcopter · 27 Oct 2014

When JAVA goes to a new version, e.g. 7 to 8, I uninstall the previous version first, then install the new.

If it is just an update of the current version, I install over top.

I have never had an issue following this procedure.

baumgrenze · 28 Oct 2014

Thank you for pointing out the distinction between a version change and 'just an update.'

Since this is an 'unusual occurrence' it would be gracious of folks like Oracle or Adobe to point out the need to uninstall first, then install the changes for a new version. It would be remarkably more gracious than causing us to worry about downloading bloatware bundled with the upgrade/update.

Thanks,

baumgrenze

allamerican · 28 Oct 2014

I am also suffering from the same problem as java is not getting installed in my system.