Java

To find out if Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine is installed on your PC:

Start / Run / type cmd in the box / Enter/OK
In the Command Prompt Window, type jview after C:\Documents and Settings\your_name>
if you get an error message you do not have MS' Java Virtual Machine.

You can download the latest Java Virtual Machine from Sun at: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

To remove old versions: Sun's update unfortunately doesn't overwrite or delete the old version so you need to open your Control Panel and delete older version or else you gain 143Mb of junk. Older versions can easily be uninstalled through:

Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs,

just select the non-newest item.

To remove Microsoft's pre-installed Java Virtual Machine:

Before you remove it though, consider doing a clean install of XP and then updating it through Windows Update. If you still have the original JVM installed, it's been a long while since you set this machine up so there will be a lot of other lost and lonely files in there too. The system will benefit from a complete reinstall and gain a boost in performance. I know it's a lot of work but probably worth it but DO have a complete AND current backup before working on the operating system.

Start / Run / either type or copy and paste in the box

RunDll32.exe advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection java.inf,UnInstall
Enter/OK

If you get an error that says java.inf can't be found then MS' Java Virtual Machine isn't installed, see part 1.

Open Windows Explorer [WinKey + E] and make all files visible:
Tools / Folder Options / View / Show Hidden Files and Folders / OK Delete the following directories and files:

C:\Windows\Java
C:\Windows\Inf\java.pnf
C:\Windows\System32\jview.exe
C:\Windows\System32\wjview.exe

Open Registry Editor [Start / Run / type regedit in the box / Enter/OK ) and delete ( right click / delete ) the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Java VM
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\InternetExplorer\AdvancedOptions\JAVA_VM Open Windows Explorer [WinKey + E] and make all files hidden:
Tools / Folder Options / View / Do not show Hidden Files and Folders / OK

Reboot the system and the Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine is deleted.

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Saturday, 17 February 2007