Java autoupdate not working

81emirpk · 27 Oct 2013

Hi,

I'm having a problem with java autoupdate. Last week I received a notification saying a new update was available. I clicked to install and i got an error saying it cannot proceed with the current connection (my internet may have been down, not sure). Anyway I figured I would just update the next time I restarted because usually when I ignore an update I get the notification again when I restart. But I haven't received any more notifications from autoupdate. I know I can go through the website to download the update but I always feel safer going through autoupdate what with all the fake java updates I've heard about. Any way I can get java autoupdate to notify me again? Is updating through the control panel equally safe?Thanks.

Stephanie · 27 Oct 2013

Hi 81emirpk

Verify Java Version :)

Verify Java Version

A Guy · 27 Oct 2013

Welcome to Seven Forums 81emirpk. Actually, I'd trust going to the Java website more then a popup on my PC. A popup can be fake. If you go to the official Java website, you're more likely to get the legit file. And, as Stephanie said, you confirm you actually need an update first.

What is Java Update and how do I change the update schedule?

Scroll down to Java Update Options

A Guy

81emirpk · 28 Oct 2013

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I am in need of an update for sure, I have java 7u25 And I believe the latest is 7u40. You mention that pop ups can be fake but the real java autoupdate always appears in the system tray correct. And the download prompt generated by clicking those fake pop ups always say origin from internet rather than from hard drive? Those are the usually the two things I check for. I'm just a little wary of downloading anything off of some website (mistyping the address or following a bad download link) which is why I prefer the automatic update. Anyhow would you recommend updating from the control panel (update now option)?

Thanks again for your help.

UsernameIssues · 28 Oct 2013

What browser are you using? IE10?

What do you use Java for?

If you need Java - then by all means keep it.

If you do not need Java, then you should uninstall it. You are putting your computer at risk and getting absolutely no benefit from taking that risk.

Yes, it is safe to update Java using the "Update Now" button via:
Start >
Control Panel >
(View by large or small icons)
Java*

*you may see Java (32-bit)

That should bring up the Java Control Panel applet. If you see a tab named Update, then you have the 32bit version of Java installed. (The Java Control Panel applet for the 64bit version of Java does not have this tab. The 64bit version of Java should be updated manually by downloading the installer.)

The latest version of Java is 7u45.

I would also add a check mark by this setting:

Each time a website loads Java - you can be notified about it.

If you opt the change how often Java checks for updates...

...you might need to navigate to this file:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre7\bin\javacpl.exe

Then right click on javacpl.exe and run it as administrator.

The Java Control Panel applet must run with elevated privileges to be able to store new update settings. If you have turned your User Account Controls off, then everything runs at elevated privileges - including infections :-(

Yard Dog · 28 Oct 2013

Yep.. if no need for it.. then don't have it.. I have after the Oracle issue months ago, have not reinstalled Java yet.

81emirpk · 28 Oct 2013

Thanks for that great explanation usernameissues! I actually do not use java on this particular laptop and I have contemplated uninstalling it. I am aware of all the security issues associated with java and I have disabled it in my web browsers so I really don't know why I bother with it :). Thank you all for your help and input!

81emirpk · 28 Oct 2013

Sorry but I have one more question. I know that you suggest uninstalling java altogether, I keep it installed just in case I do need it. But I have t disabled in my web browsers (I mainly use Firefox) and I have even disabled website content in the java control panel security tab. Do you believe that is sufficient protection against attacks using java vulnerabilities, I believe most of those attacks come from browsing website? Thanks again.

Stephanie · 28 Oct 2013

Hi 81emirpk

It all depends on what sites you go to (keeping away from porn, warez, torrent sites will help) :)

UsernameIssues · 28 Oct 2013

81emirpk said:

Sorry but I have one more question. I know that you suggest uninstalling java altogether, I keep it installed just in case I do need it. But I have t disabled in my web browsers (I mainly use Firefox) and I have even disabled website content in the java control panel security tab. Do you believe that is sufficient protection against attacks using java vulnerabilities, I believe most of those attacks come from browsing website? Thanks again.

I don't think that anyone here would be confident in saying that they know more than the people that write malware. We just don't know how tricky everything out there is. I've never hear of an exploit that could enable Java in a web browser - but then again, I've not seen any expert claim that it cannot be done.