Can't uninstall Java

Hi all,

I have a Java Problem.
I have 2 java installed, because it will not let me uninstall java 5 update 2. The other is Java 5 update 6, that is the version last released.

If I click on uninstall, (in remove programs) it start the uninstaller and then tells me that I have this version already installed and to uninstall it to be able to install it. I guess that is the perfect catch 22.

I then downloaded update 2 again and tried to install it over the installed version with the same result. ( you have this version………)

Looks like the installer / uninstaller is not working properly.

Any ideas
Thanks

Sven

 

SVEN--As long as you are not having any problems running Java, it does not hurt to leave Update 2 where it is. However, you could try to uninstall in Safe Mode.
The entry in Add/Remove could also be only cosmetic now and the update 2 is actually uninstalled.
Try running this test to see what version of Java you have running.
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml
You will need to allow ActiveX controls to run to have the test work. Simplest way is to put www.java.com into Trusted Sites.
If the test shows update 2 is running, then try a reinstall of update 6.

 

Welshjim,

Thanks for your reply.

I ran the test and it shows that I am running update 6.

So why does it also show update 2?

Thanks again
Sven

 

SVEN--

Did you try to remove in Safe Mode?
Sometimes bits and pieces of programs are left behind even when you properly uninstall, including reference in Add/Remove. It could be that you have uninstalled Update 2 and the reference in Add/Remove is all that is left.
I know this reference is annoying, but unless you are having problems perhaps it is best to live with it.
However, if you want to pursue, see this
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/regkey_addremove.xml

 

Previous versions of Java left installed are still vulnerable to exploitation and should be removed.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14738046

Try uninstalling the newer version, then the old one and re-install the new when done.

 

Thanks to both of you.
I will try it tomorrow.

Sven

 

SVEN--noahdfear's advice is good, but this assumes you still have the old Java installed.
As mentioned, it is possible the reference in Add/Remove is only cosmetic and that the old version is no longer installed. The link in my post above will take care of the cosmetic listing, but it will be a longwinded job to find the CLSID that applies to the old version.
Look in IE Tools|Internet Options|Advanced tab|Java section. Does it show both versions as being installed? Also, look in the Java folder in Program Files. Is the old version there? If no to both, I suspect you no longer have the old version installed.
Having said all that, noahdfear's advice is pretty easy to try. If it works, great!!

 

Welchjim,

I tried both your suggestions and also tested it at suns web site, and it tells me that I have update 6 installed. I uninstalled it and then tried to uninstall update 2 but it did not work. I don't know why I have this entry. After going in to the registry and removing the reg key, I have no button to click on any more. But every thing is working fine and I will just let it be.

Thanks for your help, from both of you.
Sven

 

SVEN--Thanks for posting back.
If you are satisfied, then fine.
If you have time to answer two more questions:
Did you reinstall Update 6?

Which button??

 

Sorry about the Buttons,

I meant the buttons that you click on in “ad or remove programs”.
It gives you 2 buttons Change and Remove. Both are gone, but the listing is still there.
Yes, I reinstalled upgrade 6 again. It would not let me install upgrade 2 at all. It claims that it is installed, but java’s web test told me NO. After installing upgrade 6 again java tells me I have installed upgrade 6.
So, all is working, but I don’t know what is going on.

Thanks again for your help

Sven

 

SVEN--If it works, don't fix it!! And my guess is that the entry in Add/Remove is only cosmetic.
But you could try the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301

 

Thank you!!

That did the job.
It is gone.
Thanks Again
Sven

 

SVEN--Great news! Thanks for posting back. Always good to learn that a suggestion helped.