I messed up uninstalling Java

I downloaded and installed Java on my machine (XP).

I'm not too sure about the difference/relationship between JDK, JRE and NetBeans, so if my descriptions seem a little bit odd, then that's why.
If it helps, the file I downloaded was "jdk-1_5_0_06-nb-5_0-win.exe ".

I ran this and installed everything, getting two folders worth of programs etc, "NetBean IDE 5.0" and "Java ". Somewhere along the line (of the installation) it said it would put something into my Documents and Settings folder. I didn't want it there so changed it.
After the installation, when I tried to run appletviewer, it told me it couldn't find a properties file in my Documents and Settings folder, but instead would use defaults. I then got an error message saying Java couldn't run on my machine (or something like that). I tried to "run" an html file, it was "tictactoe ", from the examples folder, under the Java folder, I think. I got the same error message "Java can't run on this machine ".
So I decicded to uninstall Java and reinstall it using my Documents and Settings folder.

OK, that was the introduction, now for the problem.

I went into Control Panel > Add/Remove Sofware. I removed the entries for JDK1.0.5_06 (not sure about the numbers) then JRE....02, JRE...03, JRE...04, JRE...06 (I think that's all)
Then I tried to remove NetBean IDE 05. The uninstaller went into action, then stopped. It couldn't find a Java Virtual machine (JVM) on my machine so it exited. Looks like I shouldn't have done those other deletions!
I tried reinstalling Java using "jdk-1_5_0_06-nb-5_0-win.exe" by renaming the NetBeans folder (thought it would be wiser not to actually delete it) and the new installation produced a (new) NetBeans folder and a Java folder, but the Java folder was empty. The re-installation was unsuccessful.

So now I can't uninstall the old Java installation and can't get a new installation.

Can anyone suggest how I can clear up the old installation (delete folders, go into registry, ..., whatever) so I can get a new install ??

TIA

 

Thanks for the quick response.
System Restore sounds like a good idea. Can I ask you a few question about that?

Will System Restore remove the installations of Java and NetBeans?
Will I be able to just delete their folders if there is then no registry info about them?
Will system restore affect any installations performed after the restore date?

The file I downloaded before, "jdk-1_5_0_06-nb-5_0-win.exe ", was 136 MB. Perhaps a bit of overkill for what I needed. I just wanted to help my grand-daughter - she's learning Java at uni and not doing too well. I only did a bit of Java a bout 5 yrs ago and then nothing more. That's why I knew about appletviewer and I think that was all I really wanted.

I'll try that 16 MB version.


Many thanks.

 

Thanks.

I installed Java/NetBeans on the 11th May and nothing since so it looks like choosing just prior as my restore point will be ok.
I checked out system restore. I didn't realize there were so many restore points!

And I'll now go check out this Regseeker.

 

Fermat,

The Java 'JRE' download (java runtime environment) will allow you to utilize sites on the internet that are using Java. The 'JDK' download (Java Development Kit) allows you to program in Java. You will find a primer for Java programming HERE. You may find information that would be a help to you (and your grand daughter) there. This site contains... a 'how to' on getting started, as well as links to the documentation and downloads. Enjoy.

B

 

Thanks.
Yes, I finally found out: JRE is (only) for running java code/programs and the JDK is for compiling them.

I'm re-learnig Java, and I've come up against amnother small problem - importing my own class into another file, so I'll try that site you gave.

My notes are old, and I keep on getting "... you are using a deprecated API ..." so maybe I need to update