Removing old versions of Java

I am following the "Run and read me first" link and all the required steps posted on this website to remove malware from my PC. One of the preliminary step requires that users remove all older versions of Java. My Windows 7 is showing 3 Java items, on the 'Uninstall or Change a Program': Java(TM) 6 Update 15 (64-bit), Java(TM) 6 Update 23, and Java(TM) SE Development Kit 6 Update 15 (64-bit). Is the Java(TM) 6 Update 23 the only one I should keep on my PC? Can I safely uninstall the other two without messing up my PC? By the way, what is the SE Development kit 6 Update 15 version for?

Thank you.

 

You can safely remove all of 'em, and an easy way to do this is by using the free program JavaRA (I think it's short for "Java Removal Assistant"). Sometimes it will pop up an error after it removes all the old versions, but it's nothing to worry about. It removes all the old ones MUCH quicker than if you did it one-by-one thru Add/Remove Programs. Once they're all gone, go to www.java.com and click the big red "Free Java Download" button to get the latest version (and only the latest version). I manually check this once every 3-4 weeks just to be sure I'm up to date; I have no idea if I ever need Java, but if I do, I want it available and current.

The SDK (or Software Development Kit) is usually for people that program with Java, so if you aren't a Java programmer, you can probably remove it. If you need it in the future for something, you'll likely be prompted to download it. I believe that Java6 Update23 is the newest one, but IMO you should just kill 'em all, then use the link I posted to get the latest update.

 

I agree with everything above, (javara is handy). Just wanted to add to check this out, too, tho, as I found I needed both Java(TM) 6 Update 23 *and* Java(TM) 6 Update 23 (64 bit) for my Win7 64bit setup...I use Chrome and Firefox as browsers, and--sometimes--64bit IE8, so it's easy enough to download and install both.


See:http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/java_win64bit.xml

 

Ok, now I only have Java(TM) 6 Update 23 on my PC. The Java website suggests downloading also the Java 64-bit version if you use 64-bit IE. I use FireFox, does it mean I only need what I currently have (i.e. Java(TM) 6 Update 23)? Keep in mind that my laptop has Windows 7, 64-bit operating system. I am not sure if the version of Java that I have is sufficient (since it does not specify 64-bit), but I am also not sure if I need the 64-bit version of Java, since I only use FireFox and not Internet Explorer. Please, clarify, and thank you for your help.

 

If you use Firefox you should be fine. I do too, and didn't have problems with just java 32...since periodically I do use IE8, then I went ahead and downloaded the 64bit version also. Since they don't conflict, and for a few other reasons, I keep both versions downloaded. I'd also check, just to be sure, (IE8), open it, go to Help, and see which version you are using. There is some debate on this, but using FF, you should be fine with what you have. If you do use IE8, and it wants the 64bit version, also, it'll let you know. If you have 32bit IE8, then you don't need 64bit java.

 

I have a major problem with Java. I took advice and tried to uninstall the older versoin of java and then tried to install the latest version. Then halfway thru the install a prompt came up saying error 2753 regutils.dll. That's all it said but I can't go any further. I have tried everything I can think of to get regutils out of this computer. I tried java ra, I tried add remove in programs in windows and even tried Revo uninstaller.
I went true the registry deleting every thing related to java. I have no reference to java anywhere on this machine now. I also can't find this regutils.dll anywhere on this machine I also deleted any reference to it. It seems to be gone and I should be able to install a fresh java but that prompt keeps coming up each time. What is this reutils anyway and what purpose does it serve? It seems to be embedded so deeply it can't be found.
I would be very grateful for any help you guys can give me.

 

I am having the same problem. I play pogo games and it is needed for them.

 

Verify Java Installation

Uninstall / remove Java runtime environment JRE old versions

 

this will remove any trace of the java installer if it's still left behind after using javara,,Run this App and remove any leftover reference's to java after you've uninstalled,running CCleaners registry tool should help your new re-installation avoid any other encounters with any possible glitches
http://majorgeeks.com/Windows_Installer_CleanUp_Utility_d4459.html

 

I would advise that the Installer Cleanup Utility should only be used when certain problems
arise that can not be resolved by other means.
It is no longer supported by Microsoft as it can cause problems with software other than
the specific program being removed.