Windows XP SP3 Java Install error 2753

Boy have I messed up...
I am getting the dreaded 2753 error on installing Java 1.6.0_22. The Add/Remove Programs are stuck on an entry for 1.6.0_18. When I try to Remove it, I get an "Internal Error 2753: Regutils.dll"
Curiously enough that error is reported in a pop-up with a Label for 1.6.0._16 Installation error.

So I guess the base of the error was somehintg with that install.

I have tried JavaRa and FixError, etc.
The entry in the Add/Remove Programs will not go away.
When I try to add in a new Java, i get an "Install fails" with a 2753 Error and the Install stops.

This is on Windows XP SP3.

Any ideas?

Thanks much

I have tried Windows Clea-Up Installer wtih no success. Since I posted the originial entry I have found that I was able to install java 1.6.0_16.
I Reomved that entry and was able to install java jdk 1.6.6_22. So since I am back in busineess I will leave the Java 1.6.0_18 entry in the Add/Remove Programs list as a nuisance only.

If anyone has any new ideas on removing that entry pls let us know.

Thanks again

 

After spending A LOT of time trying to resolve this issue, I thought I would post what finally revolved the issue. HT to Jason Filley – SnakeLegs

As spelled out in Jason's blog:
http://www.snakelegs.org/2012/05/07/java-2753-regutils-dll-error/

1. Run ProcMon (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896645)
2. Within ProcMon, start monitoring just the process “msiexec.exe”
3. Start the Java installer
4. While the installer is running, keep an eye on your system clock - watch for the exact time when the installer fails.
5. Examine the ProcMon log - find the entries listed at the time the installer failed
6. If your issue was the same as mine (and Jason's), you will see in the 'Operation' column a 'RegOpenKey' entry pointing to a path of an old JRE key
7. Using RegEdit, search and delete all entries matching the key found in the previous step.

Note: it wouldn't hurt to backup your registry before deleting any entries...