Fresh 98se Install Java Crash

Hello everyone. I just did a clean reinstall of 98SE on a Dell V350 with a Celeron 1.4 Powerleap upgrade and Maxtor 30GB hard drive. The previous install had the latest JRE (1.4.2_06). When I tried to install that version on the clean install of 98SE it crashed during the installation (would not complete), yet showed up as installed when I rebooted. Any application requiring Java would crash the machine. I eventually got it uninstalled and tried the last Java for Windows 95 (1.3.1_15). That installed without a hitch. My question is, is there any real drawback to using an older version of Java like that (functionality, security, etc...)? Should I try another clean install of 98SE and try 1.4.2_06 again? Thanks.

 

The question and quest you are on has driven many a past poster to an Excedrin overdose. So have a bottle handy.

Most sites that require java will usually advise you (if you are having a problem) to download or update to the latest version. The version you are using is quite old. You may have to take this on a site by site basis though. Some still use and require older version specific java runtimes. If that's the case you are certainly prepared for that). Hopefully the site faqs will let you know. Got to read those readmes.

My guess would be that you have put your (warning, possibly bad metaphor coming up..) "cart before the horse ". Metaphor meaning: you may not have updated your newly installed win98 with some or all of the patches (such as the latest microsoft installer, an IE upgrade, at least sp1 patch, possibly directx, etc.) that may be needed to install and run the version of sun java that was throwing fits.

I would try the Java update again, only after making sure all my Operating System (win98se) patches/updates/upgrades have been done. In addition, make double sure that I use a good install procedure by not having anything running in the background that is not needed, particularly virus scanner as this can cause many an installation of a new component or software to fail. Personal opinion and procedure: I always reboot whether it is required or requested or not. This has just become a habit built on the mistrust of past fussy installs/uninstalls. It certainly doesn't hurt and if the install does botch at least I know it wasn't because I didn't do this.

Additional info:
This has many useful topics that cover the gambit from helping you decide if you need to update , which version you should choose, requirements, and download and install problems. I hope you find these useful.
http://java.sun.com/downloads/faq.html#113

NOTE: You may benefit by using the help.net archives of past posts on this topic. I know the subject of problems with "java" has come up more than a time or two. The problems seem to be user specific, meaning there is not "one size fits all" answer. Some can run two or more versions switching between both when needed. Others have had to uninstall older versions before installing the newer. You'll have to determine which way you wish to go. Reading past experiences of others may help you decide which way to go and offer workarounds or fixes for any gernades that blow up along the way.

If and when you decide to try a newer version and are still experiencing difficulties. Come back and be as specific as you can in describing the steps you've taken, the problems that occurred during the install, and any "specific quoted errors" or warnings thrown up along the way. Also, please remember to update your post with the final outcome of any progress or lack of progress. Someone here, after sharing that bottle of excedrin, may help to reduce or cure the pain...

 

goddez1

Your 3rd & 4th paragraphs ( My guess *** and I would try *** ) have some very good points.

Many things ( Java being only one ) do require that Windows itself be up to date.

Do not ask me how I learned and I will not hve to lie

BillyBob

 

Thanks for the replies! Being I wasn't too far along with my install of 98SE, I chose to reinstall it, fully patch and update it, and then try installing the latest Java again. This time it went off without a hitch. But, I then had another problem. I waited until after all that to try to install my video drivers (a Voodoo5 PCI - yes, a Voodoo card in this day and age!) and that crashed! I did yet another fresh install, installed the Voodoo drivers first, patched and updated Windows and THEN installed Java (Thank goodness for DSL!). Whew! Hopefully this is the last time I'll ever need to reinstall 98SE on this old Dell!

 

HeyJeff


I am gald to read that you have it fixed up.

Hope it stays that way for awhlie.

BillyBob

 

Phew! You got any of that aspirin left after all that? It certainly sounds like the win98 "Gotchas" were giving you a run for your money. As you have discovered, many times, it is "not what you do" but the "order in which you do it" which can make the difference between success and failure.

I am also glad to see you managed to work through this and can now put this behind you. Thanks for updating your post and your most welcome.