Question

Thanks for the link, cor-el

     My Windows Vista is 32-bit. And the only Windows download that's available in the provided link says  "Windows x64." Is that referring to only those with 64-bit?

Thanks.

These are the 32-bit download links on the download page.

Windows x86 Online 0.85 MB jre-7u10-windows-i586-iftw.exe
Windows x86 Offline 29.99 MB jre-7u10-windows-i586.exe

Did you visit the download page?

• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre7-downloads-1880261.html

It is best to download the full Windows x86 Offline version.

Thanks, the-edmeister!

I have it saved and ready to install, but why are they making this update so complicated and difficult to find? Their test page is still telling me that I have the recommended version...this latest update has been tested, right?

I have been on their download page, it's just extremely confusing for those of us who don't know what they're doing. :)

Cor-el, you mentioned the Offline version for download...I always though it was better to opt for the Online links?

I just tried to install the offline version of update 10. It looked as though it was successful, but when I checked it on Java's test page, it told me that I was missing a plug-in and it took me to a link for installing the update 9.

Should I try the offline version of 10?

Try to uninstall the current Java 7U9 version if you have problems with updating.
That is probably also a lot faster and should install the new version in a few seconds..

That's what I initially tried...

This is where I am right now. (Hopefully it's okay.)

I have installed the latest Java update (10). My plug-ins are now all up to date when checked on the Firefox plug-in page, and Java's test page shows that I have the latest version.

My only concern is that I had to reinstall Java 7 update 9 in order for it to work on Firefox. When I only had Java 7 update 10, Java's test page did not detect the Java plug-in...it prompted me to install Java 7 update 9. (Which I had previously uninstalled.)

Is it okay to have both? It was only Firefox that didn't seem to like the update 10. Safari and IE were fine.

{Based on the screenshot, it looks like we still need the SE 7 U 9.}

Try to delete the pluginreg.dat file in the Firefox Profile Folder and maybe addons.sqlite as well to reset the plugin registry databases.

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder

Okay, I deleted both (the pluginreg.dat file, and addons.sqlite).

I'm still seeing the same results as the screenshot above. As long as everything is telling me that I'm up to date, am I ok?

Thanks for helping me with this, cor-el. :)

Alice_85:

You may need to exit then restart your browser after updating Java in order for the correct Java version to show on the Plugin Check page. I found it necessary to do that. The only place that I found that advice is at the bottom of the following page (next the the "light bulb" icon) - https://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp

TheOldFox, Thanks for the tip. I think that was one of the first things I tried this morning but it still kept taking me to update 9.

According to the Java test link you provided, I'm currently on version 1.7.0_10. I'm just confused as to why I had to reinstall update 9 in order for the Java plug-in to be detected.

Also, I looked at the BrowserSpy.dk link you provided in another thread and found some disturbing results. What are all those "Could Not Read's?"

Should I just unistall all Java downloads and start over?

I am not familiar with http://browserspy.dk/ or the tests that they run. I keep Java disabled in the Firefox instance that I use daily as I do not have a need for it. In another instance of Firefox on my system, I get the same errors as you are showing. You would need to inquire at that site about the meaning of those errors.

I have also noticed that not all of the Java/Oracle pages have been changed to point to the new Java 7u10 version as of a couple of hours ago. That may be leading to a lot of confusion for users. Maybe the folks at Oracle are just not quite "on the ball" with this update and the changes that they need to make on their website pages.

I did notice on your report from http://browserspy.dk/ that it seems you have both Java 7u9 and Java 7u10 installed; shown on the "Java version" line on that report. You did not need to reinstall 7u9 if you downloaded the full JRE installer for Java 7u10 suggested by cor-el earlier - http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html

• Check in Windows Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) to see if you have both versions installed. That should not be the case, but if you do try to remove Java 7u9.
• Or, to get a clean start, try downloading and running JavaRa to remove all Java from your system, then install the JRE for Java 7u10 that cor-el suggested earlier. JavaRa download - http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/

Thanks @TheOldFox,

   I don't know if you read my previous posts, but when I uninstalled the 7u9, and installed the 7u10, Java's test site could not pick up on any Java plug-in. It kept asking me to install Java and would take me to a 7u9 update link.

It's only with both installs that it's detecting Java. (The odd thing is that Safari and IE were fine with just the 7u10.)

I'm terribly confused and befuddled. :P Am I okay as long as the Firefox plug-in check says that I'm up-to date?

Download and run (with all browsers closed) JavaRa as I mentioned earlier. Restart your system. Then download and install the JRE for Java 7u10 as I mentioned earlier. Close all browsers before installing the new JRE. Restart your system after the install. Then test the Java version at both:

1. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
2. http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp

This Java update is not going smoothly for many users and I do not know the reason(s) for that. At this point, for you I think that best course of action would be to use JavaRa to remove all Java from your system and install the JRE for Java 7u10.

I'll give it a go.  :) When I'm ready to reinstall the 7u10, should I opt for the offline version? (I think I chose the online version earlier.)

Yes. The offline version is a full installer package. and be sure that you download the "i586" version, that is the 32-bit version needed by Firefox.

I think Java 7u10 is seriously messed up. I was able to install it so it appears in Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel, but no plugin appears in Firefox. The "Deployment Toolkit" plugin appears, but not the actual plugin.

I also download JavaRa 1.16 to uninstall 7u10 and try installing it again = it couldn't find the new version to remove it.

Looks like the Firefox Plugin is missing, Java appears in IE8 and Opera 12.

the_edmeister:

Did you try JavaRa version 2.0 here - http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/ (click the "Download" link on the right side, then you can select version 2.0 or version 1.1.6 on the download page)

The JavaRa.def file in JavaRa 1.1.6 installed on my system, only has registry info through Java 1.6.22.

I have noticed with Java 7u10 that if you try to enable the Platform in Add-ons > Plugins, it is not recognized until you restart Firefox. We may be seeing a Java 7u11 sooner than Oracle planned.

@the_edmeister, & TheOldFox I'm going to try the JavaRa uninstall when I get home, I'll let you know if it works. But like the_edmeister said, it's as though the 7u10 update is missing it's Firefox plug-in detector.

I used the 1.16 version - but I'll try the 2.0 version in a few minutes when a different download is finished (WTF is a 5MB cable connection good for when download websites can only delivered 101MB to 125MB download speeds. I wish that "legitimate" software companies would start offering torrent streams.) and I can log-out of this LUA and login to the Admin account.

After installation I switched to my regular user account and launched Firefox, and then due to your mention of restarting Firefox I did a Restart of Firefox, I think. Regardless, I started Firefox in the Admin account, closed it, and then switched to my regular LUA.

[Sorry for repeating some of what I posted above, but there seems to be a lag in posts getting added to threads --- another problem is all we need, right, the-edmeister?]

the-edmeister and Alice_85:

JavaRa 1.1.16 JavaRa.def file only has updated registry entries through Java 6u22, hence, the-edmeister, it could not find Java 7u10 to uninstall it. JavaRa 2.0 JavaRa.def file is only updated through Java 7u6 (see Edit Addition below) and I can not get JavaRa 2.0 to initialize, so using JavaRa may not be a viable alternative for uninstalling Java. I have used JavaRa on only a couple of occasions in the past and it has always worked as expected.

I learned a few versions back to update Java only with the full JRE installer. In the past, I updated through the Java Control Panel (in Windows Control Panel), but recent updates that way would take away the Java Control Panel. For some users, using the Java Control Panel may not be an option if the Update tab is not showing, which requires the insertion of a new registry key.

I have both the Java(TM) Platform SE 7 U10 10.10.2.18 and Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.100.18 10.10.2.18 in Add-ons > Plugins.

I have noticed that enabling the Platform (I usually keep both disabled in the Firefox installation that I use for daily browsing) is not immediately recognized by Firefox and I must restart the browser for the then enabled Java Platform to be recognized. There could be a problem with both Java and Firefox and recent changes in both.

Oracle may be surprised to find that a Java 7u11 will need to be released sooner than planned, based on some of the posted problems on this forum today.

Edit Addition:

JavaRa 2.0 has a facility to update the definition file, whereas JavaRa 1.1.16 appears to not have that facility - http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/javara-2-0-documentation/

@TheOldFox, thanks for the info. I was confused anyway as to how to use the JavaRa programs.

Do you think I should try manually uninstalling both Java versions and then reinstalling the offline 7u10?

Also, how did you manage to get those plug-ins to show up in the update check? (Earlier in the thread I posted a screenshot of what my Firefox plug-in page shows.) Even though 7u10 is running, and everything is "green" (ie up-to-date), the 7u9 still shows up...because Java's test page didn't recognize Firefox's 7u10 update.

In a nutshell, I guess I just want to know of I can go about my usual online business with 7u9 & 7u10? All tests show I'm up to date. :)

Thanks for coming up with the information about JavaRa 2.0 and the JavaRa.def update file to get the latest definitions.

At this point I am giving up on getting the Platform SE 7 U10 10.10.2.18 plugin. I don't know which version of Windows you are running, but IMO something is screwed up with the U10 installer on WinXP. Quite honestly I wouldn't even bother to have Java installed except for Open Office needing it. I rarely if ever use it in Firefox - NoScript blocks it from running until I activate it. I only attempted to update Java because the Plugin warning from Mozilla about an out of date plugin is starting to bug me big time.

A win7 x64 user over here thinks a missing registry key was causing his problem with the plugin not showing.

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?p=12543707#p12543707

I think Windows Vista 32-bit must be having the same issue.

Alice_85:

• See if you can uninstall Java 7u9 from Windows Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features)
• You should not need to "do anything" to have the 2 Plugins show up. The 2 plugins should be in Firefox Add-on > Plugins also. That is where I looked for my previous response. See image below for Plugin Check results and Add-ons > Plugins results.

the-edmeister:

• This is my XP SP3 system.
• Open Office is the only reason that I have Java on my system, also.

@TheOldFox, Thank you for sticking with me through this. :)

When I uninstall 7u9 and then visit the Java test page, this is what I see: (Even when 7u10 has been installed and shows up in Safari and IE.) *please see photo 1*

{It's as though Firefox isn't picking up the plug-in.}

So I've reinstalled the 7u9 update (as prompted in screenshot #1). And I'm back to this on the Firefox plug-in check: *please see photo 2*

7u10 is working, at least according to the Java test page.

WOW!! I am not sure what to say. I have never seen one version of Deployment Toolkit and a totally different version of Java Platform like that.

What shows in Add-ons > Plugins in Firefox? Be sure to look for disabled versions also -- they will be grayed-out, but you can click the Enable button to enable them, then restart Firefox and look again.

I know that there is a bug related to the "Next Generation Java Plugin" option (which is required in current Firefox versions) that is being discussed on the Java forums, that is being classified as a bug but the problem is not always reproducible and appears to affect only Windows 7 and enabling/disabling Java in the Java Control Panel. Apparently, as of yesterday, 12-11-2012, the developers have decided to put that on the list of things to correct in Java 7u12. Here is the link to the bug, it's technical and it is to be read only, no posting (see my suggestion below) - http://bugs.sun.com/view_bug.do?bug_id=8002342

First in Windows Control Panel, click on Java to open the Java Control Panel, click on the Advanced tab and be sure that the items outlined in red in the image below are checked, especially the one "Enable the next generation Java plugin". Exit and restart all browsers and test at Plugin Check and at the Java test page and look to see what is in Firefox Add-ons > Plugins. If there is still a problem, try the "Uninstall all Java..." below.

Uninstall all Java and reinstall:

1. Uninstall any Java version in Windows Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features)
2. Restart you computer
3. Check all browsers to see if there is any evidence of any version of Java. Visit Plugin Check and the test page referred to earlier on the Java site with each and every browser that you have installed.
4. If none of your browsers indicate that you have Java installed, then proceed, otherwise STOP and do none of the following
5. Install the JRE that you downloaded for Java 7u10, then perform Step 3 above again.

I really do not know what caused this, but it appears to be a mess in your Firefox. Try the above and post back with your results.

OOPS - forgot to include the image. Here it is.

I am off to dinner and may not be back on the forum tonight, but I will receive an e-mail notification of any reply posted in this thread.

Thanks, I'm a bit scared now. o_O

Okay, so all the boxes from your screenshot were already marked, except for 'Microsoft Internet Explorer." {Under default Java for browsers.} Firefox is set as my default browser, should I switch it back to IE and try again?

I also looked at Disabled Add-Ons, but I couldn't find anything relating to Java that had been disabled...

The discussion they're having in the Java forums is way over my head. I'm a complete noob at all this technical stuff.

Please, take your time, enjoy dinner! I'm so thankful to have someone helping me with this. :) When you're ready, please let me know if (and how) I should set IE as my default browser.

Thanks!

• edit* I figured out how to reset IE as my default browser but it won't allow me to check off the box (in the Java control screenshot you provided).

I uninstalled all Java, and made sure it was absent from all browsers (it was). So I went to the Firefox plug-in check, it told me I needed to update, and I was taken to the 7u9 again.

As of now I'm back to where I was this morning, using Java update 9. I'll try installing the 7u10 again tomorrow...hopefully Java will have an easier method by then?

What should I do with that Java Deployment Toolkit? It's a remnant from whatever happened earlier (part of the 7u10 that didn't go through). Should I leave it disabled for now, until I can figure out how to get the actual 7u10 platform?

Alice,

I recommend that you do nothing else for now since this is a Java or FF problem. (I just opened an account to make that statement!).

I have fiddled around all day with this problem that is exactly like yours. However, when I noticed that FF required a Java update, I instead immediately opened the Java Control Panel in Windows Control Panel and updated to Java 7 Update 10. Using IE 9 I checked the version at Java Support and the display box showed Update 10. All good.

Then I opened FF and saw that FF had disabled Java 9, then I followed the link (as you did) to update to 10, and was only given the option of Update 9--which I installed.

Like you, I now have 2 versions (9&10) under Windows Programs. Now when I use Java Control Panel to check for the version, it displays I have Update 9 and not 10 as it displayed earlier when I first updated before using FF browser plug-in update!

I will wait for a few days before doing anything else unless someone finds a fix before then.

Win 7 HP x64

1_FFF, Thank you.

  I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems, but I am relieved to know that I'm not the only one. :) Working on this for almost an entire day has scrambled my brain. 

I'll take your advice at leave things alone for now. (And I suggest that anyone who has tried to wrap their mind around this for hours on end- treat themselves to a pint of Guinness.) :D

I have exactly the same problem. I followed the link and downloaded and installed Java 7_10, then rebooted and restarted FF. Got a message that "outdated" Java had been disabled (it was no longer listed in Add-Ons) for safety, and to download the latest version. So I followed the link and downloaded and installed Java 7_9 (which is what I was running before), and now everything is fine. The Java PLATFORM is the same as it ever was (SE 7 U9), it appears that all that sturm und drang was to update the "Java Deployment Toolkit" to v7.0.90.5 (from 7.0.70.10). Just a circuitous and confusing procedure that is apparently not working for some folks.

Whether I am using browsers IE9 or FF 17.0.1, when I go to Java.com, click on ‘Do I Have Java’, then click ‘Verify Java Version’, I get “You have the recommended Java installed (1.7.0_10)” [See Image]

Furthermore, within Windows Control Panel/Programs and Features where both Java Update 9 and 10 now reside, if I highlight either one of those and then click the support link displayed at the bottom of the program page, I am directed to the same ‘Do I Have Java’ page. Even though Version 9 displays in Programs and Features and I click on the support link for that version/update, the Java support site still shows that I have update 10 installed.

Therefore, regardless of what FF displays on the plug-in/add-on pages, when surfing with any browser we should be okay and actually using Java 7 Update 10—even though Java Update 9 is also installed. This still needs fixing…

@ mrnews54,

Do you have both Java versions 9 & 10 listed within Windows Control Panel/Programs and Features (Uninstall or Change Programs area)?

Safari (for Windows) is showing the 7u10 too...it must be an FF plug-in issue.

I suspect that the Java SE 7 U 10 update is for IE and maybe Safari, and not for Firefox or Opera.

http://java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp shows Java SE 7 U 9 as Latest Java Installed and I suspect the Mozilla Plugin Check page is wrong by saying that U 9 is out of date.

1_FFF: Yes, In "Add or Remove Programs" BOTH "Java 7 Update 10" AND "Java 7 Update 9" are listed. In the Java Control Panel, under "Java Runtime Environment Settings," BOTH versions are listed, and BOTH are checked (enabled).

Java blog post 12-11-2012 - https://blogs.oracle.com/java/entry/java_updates

• It says, in part "This releases provides key security features and bug fixes. Oracle strongly recommends that all Java SE 7 users upgrade to this release. JavaFX 2.2.4 is now bundled with the JDK on Windows, Mac and Linux x86/x64."
• Therefore, the-edmeister, that statement indicates that it is for all Windows, Linux and MAC system.
• The "Download" link under "Java SE 7 Update 10" directs to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html which is the link recommended numerous times in this thread and is my "go to" link when checking for Java updates.
• The link to the top of the Java/Oracle blog is https://blogs.oracle.com/java/ with the most current post on top.

Many of the Java/Oracle pages are still pointing to Java 7u9. Either the folks at Oracle has really messed-up on this release or there is some misleading information from Oracle/Java.

Alice_85 - One of the problems that I notice in your latter posts, is that you are clicking on the link on the Plugin Check page which takes you to a Java/Oracle page that offers Java 7u9. In this thread you have been continually told to go to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html to download the off-line JRE and install it after removal of Java 7u9 which you are not doing. You are taking the extra step of clicking on that button on the Plugin Check page.

Below is a page explaining the process for updating to Java 7u10 step-by-step. It recommends the removal of previous Java versions through Windows Control Panel, a step that I have not found necessary in the past and did not need to perform in updating from Java 7u9 to Java 7u10 on my system. See if their advice works for you. You should never have a Deployment Toolkit version and a Platform version that are different. I have seen no posts on the Java forums mentioning the issues being reported here, and I experienced no such issues in the update, so I can not explain what is happening on your systems.

• http://tweaks.com/forum/Topic264776-3-1.aspx

There's another discussion about this on MozillaZine's forum, which mentions a possible missing registry entry with Java 7 update 10 that results in the plugin not being detected:

• http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=2628935

EDIT: I see this was already mentioned by the-edmeister, earlier in this thread.

I don't see this problem with the latest Java 6 update, by the way. I downgraded from Java 7 to Java 6 awhile ago, back when an unpatched Java 7 security vulnerability surfaced. I just installed Java 6 Update 38 Windows x86 (32-bit) Offline installer jre-6u38-windows-i586.exe on my Windows 7 X64 system yesterday, "over the top" of Java 6 Update 37, with no problem.

Uninstalling Java 7 and installing Java 6 isn't a permanent solution, though, since Oracle is planning to discontinue public Java 6 updates at the end of February 2013. Ref: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads

If Firefox doesn't pick up the Java plugin then this is most lkely caused by a missing registry key

• HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin,version=xx.xx.xx
• HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin,version=xx.xx.xx

You may need to run the Java installer as Administrator to make sure that all registry keys are created or updated

If you do not see the correct plugin version (the plugin check page shows the description field of navigator.plugins as main name and the version field) then it should help to delete the pluginreg.dat file like I posted before.

Hi, TheOldFox,

I have been downloading 7u10 from the Oracle link provided, that part is fine. When I check the 7u10 in Java's test page, it's not picking up the plug-in. It's the Java test page that takes me back to the older 7u9 version.

I don't have this problem with Safari and IE. When 7u10 is tested in those browsers (without 7u9), it's fine.

Currently I have both 7u10 and 7u9. Right now, at least for me, FF seems to only pick up 7u10 when I have 7u9 installed. Every single test I've run is showing green {updated} results.

Cor-el, I'm not sure what any of that means.

How do I install Java as Administrator? And how will I know if the registry keys are updated?

I'm sorry if those are silly questions, I'm in way over my head right now... o_O

Is there a chance that Java will release a smoother download that's a bit more compatible with FF?

You can right click the Java installer program (or desktop icon if you have saved it there).
Then you should see a Run as Administrator entry in the right-click context menu.

Okay, I still have the 7u10 download (it's in my download folder).

So I right-click and go to "run as Admin." Once I do that, how do I look for registry keys? (I'm not even sure what they are...)

Thanks, cor-el.

I have the exact same situation as Alice_85. I have both 7u10 and 7u9 installed and enabled, and FF seems to only pick up 7u10 when I have 7u9 installed. On the Plug-in Check page, FF says I have Java Platform SE7 u9, but the version # in the grey box next to it says 1.7.0.10. It says I have Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.90.5, also listed as version 1.7.0.10. And everything is functioning fine, except that I have two versions of JRM enabled on my machine. But hey, as long as FF is happy, we can't have everything...

And BTW, both the Java Platform and the Toolkit are listed on the Add-Ons Manager page with a 2nd number (after the version #) of 10.9.2.5.

Just for fun, I just opened the Java Control Panel and disabled version 1.7.0_09. Restarted Firefox and it runs fine, and everything checks out OK, Java plug-ins still "up to date," etc. This whole thing feels like a foul-up on the Oracle end.

mrnews54,

Exactly what is Firefox showing in Add-ons > Plugins from inside Firefox?
I see two Java Plugins there; the Java(TM) Platform SE 7 U9 10.9.2.5, and the Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.100.18 10.10.2.18 .

I have both Java SE 7 U9 and U10 installed / showing in the Control Panel. And as I mentioned yesterday, Firefox is using the U9 Platform, along with Opera, whereas IE8 is using the U10 Platform plugin.

AFAIK, the Java Deployment Toolkit is only needed by Java developers, regular users have no need for that "Toolkit". And IIRC, that "Toolkit" wasn't even installed until Java 6 came about. The original "Second Edition" plugin for Firefox, which was Java 5, didn't have that plugin.

the-edmeister, mrnews54,

That's exactly what I'm seeing when I check my FF add-ons:

Java (TM) Platform SE7 U9 10.9.2.5

Java Development Toolkit 7.0. 100.18 10.10.2.18

Are we all in the same boat?

All I want to know right now is if it's safe for me to log onto sites like Paypal and my banking, etc..? As I mentioned before, everything is passing the update tests.

If needed I'll install Java 6u38.

I wouldn't worry about Java at those websites, but it wouldn't hurt to disable the Java plugin before you go to those websites.

And as I mentioned before, just disable that "Toolkit" plugin altogether.

Thanks, the-edmeister,

    So basically leave the Java (TM) Platform SE7 U9 10.9.2.5 enabled, and just disable the Toolkit? (I just want to be sure I do this correctly.) :)

@the-edmeister: In Firefox Add-Ons Manager, I am seeing:

"Java Development Toolkit 7.0.90.5 10.9.2.5

NPRuntime Script Plug-in Library for Java(TM) Deploy

Java(TM) Platform SE7 U9 10.9.2.5

Next Generation Java Plug-in 10.9.2 for Mozilla Browsers"

In IE8 I am seeing:

"Java(tm) Plug-In SSV Helper 7.0.90.5 0.00s (load time)

Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper 7.0.90.5 0.04s (load time)"

But I use FF 99% of the time, so I don't worry about IE too much. Looks to me like it's installed twice in IE, and loads once. If you ask me (and no one did) the latest update from Oracle is a BIG FAIL. But everything is running OK, and the Plug-in Check page is happy, so I'm gonna leave it alone for now.

Alice_85,

Yes, but you may want to temporarily disable the "Platform" plugin when doing financial transactions.

mrnews54,

IMO Mozilla has something messed up with the Plugin Check page.
With only the Platform U9 plugin enabled, the Plugin Check shows it as Update Now. But when the Toolkit plugin is also enabled, they both show as Up to Date.

As far as Oracle, IMO its' a "big fail" overall. We didn't see problems like this before Oracle bought Sun, When Sun released a security update, as I recall, they fixed everything which had been reported. No security bugs hanging over to the next version. I think that as big corporations are wont to do after buying out a company, they got rid of the personnel who knew the most about the products they just acquired and now the "inmates" or "patients" are running the asylum.

For now, until things are completely smoothed out, I think I'm just going to disable Java completely (at least in FF).

I hope this thread and others like it will stay active. I'd love to know if and when someone can resolve this issue.

To everyone who has been helping me these last two days, Thank you!

I installed U10 on top of U9, and the Mozilla Plugin-check showed only U9 but with a happy green button next to it. When I had *only* U9 installed however, the plugin-check considered it to be outdated. The Java homepage verified that I had U10 in both FF and IE9.

Then I uninstalled U9 from the Windows control panel (keeping U10), and - poof - Java could not be detected anymore on my computer when I visited the Java page from FF, BUT it worked fine with IE9. So it's not only the plugin-check that is messed up, it must be something in FF.

• update*

It looks as though the issue has been fixed. When checked my plug-ins this evening, the 7u9 had corrected itself and is now displaying the actual update (7u10).

I've uninstalled the 7u9 completely and everything is checking out on FF! :)

Well, my Java was not auto-fixed. Yesterday my Plugins changed automatically from Green to the Yellow/gold outdated, which of course led me to 7u9 again when I followed the link. I uninstalled 7u9 via Win. Control Panel and got the Java disabled display on the FF Plugin page. I had to reinstall 7u9 via the offline executable file to have any Java...

I restarted many times and had to clean my registry because of the 20 keys left over from uninstalling 7u9 the first time. I still have 7u10 and 9 in my Control Panel but clicking on 'About' through the Java Contro Panel states that I have version 9 instead of 10.

Congrats Alice...

Update:

I completely removed Java7U9 & 7U10 through Win Control Panel (Add/Remove Programs). After doing so--and ensuring that all plugins were either disabled or removed from the Manage Plugin pages of IE9, Chrome and FF 17.0.1 and cleaning my Registry--I finally got the option to update to the latest version 7U10 (instead of 7U9) through the FF plugin update page. However, I did not update, given the security risks and well documented bugs still involved with Java 7.

I have used the NoScript program for over a year and I doubt that I really need Java. Remember, Java programming compilations and JavaScript script programming language are completely different items.

If I find a website (such as banking, et cetera) that requires Java--in addition to JavaScript--only then will I install it (and likely the latest version 6 instead of 7). Perhaps Oracle will get the security vulnerabilities/bugs out of their next version in 2013...

Well now I get to jump into this thread. Been fighting this problem all day. I received a message today that my java plugin has been removed. Strangely, I still have the Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.100.18 plugin as showing up and saying it is now up to date. This was not the case yesterday. However the Java 7U10 has been installed and works in IE only. It does not show up in the about:plugins or add-ons plugin page. And I have done the whole reset thing.

The Java update page tells me in FF, Chrome, Opera (all latest verions) I "Java is not working" (duh) and wants to start me through my 12th re-install of the day. If I visit in IE it tells me I am OK. If I visit a Java application in IE it will work but Firefox 17.01, Opera 12 and Updated Chrome give me the same "a plugin is missing" crap.

My control panel shows Java 7 update 10 and I have cleanly uninstalled and then re-installed several times and re-booted once.

Yesterday, I was addressing the whole stupid plugin-check page in another thread about the same issue, which had come right on the heels of the Flash Update issue (which was the same thing).

FF, I don't know what is going on, but I am upset of your habit of deciding what is unsafe for me and disabling it without my consent or ability to override the decision. And Java...this is real swift of you! You don't recognize your own software unless IE visits you? I am going insane.

Edit: I forgot to note that if I disable the Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.100.18 FF will say "missing java? upgrade, whatever, whatever" but if I enable it it will tell me everything is peachy...but nothing works.

Glad to see this isn't happening to only just me.

I've come here after using Google, figured Mozilla Support would be the best first place to visit, so here I am.

Well, how should I begin?

I used to be running the latest Java with no problems, except in the addons list it's say I had version 7 update 5. I probably should've left it alone because it was being detected and verified and tested just fine on Java's pages, and kind of sort the Mozilla plug in checker site.

But since it seems to be reported as a problem in Firefox's addons list, I've tried the usual basics: I've completely uninstalled the latest version 7 update 10 and tried restarting my computer and re-installing Java, except now my Java acts like there's something wrong with the installation in Firefox.

Repeatedly downloaded latest version of Java, made sure it was the right full file and latest version, reinstalled, nothing... acts broken in Firefox now. Worked fine before I started getting curious after reading this support article, except Firefox's addon list claiming it's outdated when it really never was.

So now after a bit of further searching I'm sitting here on version 7 update 9 which behaves properly and normally. Don't plan to update until this is resolved. Updating to 10 on top of 9 just breaks it again. 9 seems to be a bit more stable at this moment.

My problem is neither Firefox, Opera or Chrome will let me get 7u9. It loads and then right at the end says it fails and prompts for manual download which takes me back in a vicious circle to 7u10.

Since 7u10 only works on IE9, I am thinking the problem is either Java's or Windows.

I have gone insane over this stuff. I wonder why nothing ever works anymore. Try getting support at Java and they want $$$ just to talk to them.

First FF self destructs it permissions in the 17 upgrade, then Flash on the plugin page tells me everything is wrong when Flash tells me everything is right and finally FF disables my working Java plugins without my consent which makes me angry. Of course the same exact thing is happening, as I said earlier, with the latest versions of Opera, Chrome and FF.

For now, after running JavaRa from one of these threads I am back on the "vulnerable" version 6u26. It is the only way to make things work and FF better not disable anything against my will until the never ending saga of Java is fixed!

Axis,

If you want to stick with Java 6 for the time being, at least update to the latest Java 6, which Update 38. It works fine for me!

You want the 32-bit Java download, even if you have a 64-bit operating system like I do (Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit) since 32-bit browsers like the official Firefox 17.0.1 release for Windows need 32-bit Java.

The Java 6 Update 38 off-line installer is now available from http://java.com/en/download/manual_v6.jsp

More info here:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads

Hello AliceWyman--

Tried your suggestion. Everything broke...again. I have to run this version that JavaRa installs or nothing will work...and I have tried everything in this 4 page thread and every other thread.

I don't even use Java that much but unfortunately there is a the vicious circle going on with Java. I update the latest version...I visit a page on one of my websites and am prompted to load the 7u9 plugin, which fails and then opt for manual installation and directed to the 7u10 (which I already have at the time). I have been at this for 24 hrs. now and *nothing* has worked except the JavaRa and the insecure version I am now stuck with.

I am left with only two guesses as to what is going on as I have 4 browsers...all latest versions (FF default). ALL fail except IE9 with 7u10 and do the same thing as FF. So it is either a Java issue or a windows issue. I have Windows 7 Premium, 32 bit (with some 64 bit capabilities). With my "bad" version, Opera doesn't care and either does IE9. Chrome warns me but lets me "run this time." Firefox doesn't care when I visit the game page on my own site that I test Java on, but if I go to the plugin check page I am greeted with Great Warnings.

I appreciate your attempt but it just doesn't work either. erghhh!

Well I guess I may as well post this...sorry for all the posts but I finally have it sorted out and updated and should leave a reply for those who may come after. I am just not absolutely positive how I did it!!! It may have to do with one of two things. Accepting cookies from Oracle/Java but doing that didn't really help at the time.

What did work was completely uninstalling Java. Then going to the page in IE9. Downloading and running in IE9 (which I have set to take all cookies, but delete them when I close the browser), then visiting a page that uses Java and being prompted (still in IE9) to install another plugin. Then all worked. I wasn't entirely unprepared for it to work in IE9 but I was amazed to find I finally had the Java Platform in my FF plugins! (I had had the Deployment toolkit all along but no Java Platform).

So it is fixed but I am scratching my bruised brain trying to figure why so much crazy stuff (to use the polite word) had happened with FF and Plugins in the last month....Hope this helps someone, though I really don't know why the above worked and nothing else.

Axis, Thanks for posting back that you managed to sort things out by completely uninstalling Java and then updating to the latest version using IE9. As for me, I'll stick with Java 6 Update 38 for now, until updates run out next February. Then I'll probably use the "Update" tab in the "Java (32-bit)" Control Panel to update to the latest version of Java 7 (I currently have automatic updates disabled).

For those still having issues with Java JRE (NOT Java Script--a whole different animal) I suggest that you read the following article at the link posted 4 months ago at betanews.

I completely removed all traces of JRE from my computer 5 days ago and have frequented all of the sites I typically use--including banking, bill paying, forums, et cetera. without any requests to install JRE (Java Runtime Environment).

Now, I use the free program NoScript for FireFox and when I accessed the betanews site I could not use the comments section until I allowed NoScript to "Allow betanews(dot)com". That is, allow Java Script but there was no need for the JRE compiler. See the attached uploaded image of the NoScript Menu allowing/forbidding options for the page currently accessed.

I think the main problem is that most general users confuse Javascript (very much needed and widespread on the Interet) with the very prevalent installed program--but seldom used for core site functionality on the user's side--JRE compiler. The brief, informative artice explains what most users need to understand the basic differences.

__________________________

{Quote:

"According to W3Techs, only four percent of websites use Java on the server side. While that is certainly impressive, it is used by 0.2 percent of all websites on the client side. And two tenths of a percent includes sites that do not use it for their core functionality."

End Quote}

You Don't Need Java

1_FFF--

Ah...your solution is essentially telling people they don't really need Java? That is not a solution in my book. I am not confused by the difference between Java and Javascript.

There are sites that use Java. There is also a whole suite of MS Office like products called "Open Office" that use Java for those who don't want or can't afford MS Office. There is at least one website I have used in the past that makes sitemaps for websites with a Java page indexer and there is an old fashioned "Games" page on one of my websites that some people really like the "Java" Klondike solitary game on, but rather than beat this dead horse to death, telling people to "forget all your troubles with the plugin page and Java website because you don't need it" is not a solution.

Also I hope you read some of the comments under your linked "You don't need Java."

I got the same problems with latest Java 7 update10 with firefox, what i did was using revo uninstaller(free edition) to uninstall java and delete all traces of java registry(will be shown in bold in revo) and all related java files, for my system there is also a javafx program, i uninstalled that too, and reinstalled java 7 update 10(install the normal way,using FF to download the java installer from java site and install from desktop), now firefox show the correct java plugin, and java is working again in firefox with update 10 plugin.

By the way, i'm using Win7 64bit, but i installed the java 32-bit version, and for ur info, i am surprised to see all the previous version of java still residing in my registry when i deleted it. I guess it could be all the previous version of java that is still in the registry that is confusing firefox.

This method is used successfully on all my family laptops and my own desktop. Since my method involved deleting registry, pls do it with caution and at ur own risk.

Hello ViperX--

I guess there must be many different ways to "skin" that Java update cat (sorry, Cat lovers...just an archaic expression). I think several different things "may" have been going on. It is possible FF plugin page received notification of a new update before it was actually released by Java...or Java didn't want the whole world to update at once and sort of "doled out" it's update in batches. I also had trouble with my default settings for cookies, in that my basic browsing mode is not to accept cookies...but even after I made an exception for the page it wouldn't let me on to the 32 bit download page and would say something about accepting the "agreement" or accepting the cookies or something else not helpful. I also noticed that my MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) asked for a copy for "examination" of one of the hundred download attempts I tried.

I really am just guessing and pretty soon this is going to turn into page 5 of the Java update Mayan Apocalypse....I just know everything is finally working, and by using IE9 (which I stated above I keep for my "take all cookies and then delete them and cache browser) I easily updated the 7u10 version which then fed into the whole operating system and told "all" my browsers what we had. I am going to cut out of this thread at this point as I hope it is a done deal for everyone and has gotten enormously long....but with this parting advise to FF.

Please do not disable my plugins without my consent! I am entirely capable of looking at the plugin page myself and deciding what to do! I take responsibility for my own machine....please respect that, especially as this whole Java debacle follows right on the heels of the Flash debacle. So long to this thread. Good luck FF and everyone!

There are a number of different issues that contributed to the reported problems after installing or updating to Java 7 Update 10.

• The Plugin Check page was correctly detecting that Java 7 Update 9 was outdated but the linked Java.com update page was still showing that Java 7 Update 9 was the current version; you needed to go to Oracle's Java download page for the latest Java (this is by design; according to this Java FAQ, downloads from Java.com's site are a week behind Oracle's.) Related bug: 820893.
• Some users mistakenly download install the 64-bit version of Java because their OS is 64-bit, instead of the 32-bit version needed for released versions of Firefox on Windows and other 32-bit browsers (64-bit Java is not detected in 32-bit browsers). Ref: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Java_downloads and http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/java_win64bit.xml
• Some users report a missing registry entry after installing 32-bit Java 7 Update 10 which results in the Java plugin not being detected ( Ref: bug 820759 #c8 and this mozillaZine post.) Note that the registry entry needed is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin on 64-bit Windows and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins\@java.com/JavaPlugin on 32-bit Windows (ref.)
• The Plugin Check page shows the message, "For your safety, Firefox has disabled your outdated version of Java. Please upgrade to the latest version." even if Java is not installed or detected, or if an up-to-date Java is manually disabled in the Add-ons Manager (ref: bug 753219 and the duplicate bug, 786600)

Uninstalling JavaFX if found, from the Windows Control Panel Programs list is reported to resolve problems with Java detection after updating to the latest Java:

• http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?p=12562229#p12562229

See also: Bug 822937 - Don't use Java plugin (npjp2.dll) bundled with JavaFX

AliceWyman,

Thank you for following up with some of the issues involved since such resolutions are helpful for future reference.

I am one of those people who does not require Java JRE for the sites I visit or the programs I run so I will not reinstall it until a secure 2013 version arrives, if I encounter a requirement for it.

Anyone seeing this problem....

Please check that Java Control panel and see if Java is set as disabled? A new feature in 7u10 allows Java to be disabled from all browsers with a single check box from all browsers.

See this page for screenshots of the feature in the control panel and where the location of the setting: https://www.java.com/en/download/help/enable_panel.xml The browser must be restarted to take affect.

Please post here if you saw that it was disabled/enabled. Did changing the setting have any affect?

Thank you, Roger

More on uninstalling JavaFX as a fix to enable Java 7 Update 10 detection:

See https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=820759#c12

Thomas Ng (from oracle.com) wrote on 2012-12-24 14:50:48 PST
Quote:

I can reproduce now! At least with this setup:

7u5 + FX 2.1.1 installed first.

Install 7u10 -> this will cause plugin registration problem. Looks like we have a bug in deploy registration code to handle this case. Plugin from 2.1.1 is still being registered as fault. I need to debug more to find out the problem.

In my case, uninstall of FX 2.1.1 will correct the problem and bring back 7u10 as default plugin.

Also, 7u5 upgrade to 7u10 works okay for me. (no FX 2.1.1 standalone install) 7u10 plugin gets registered correctly.

Would be great if Mozilla can confirm this is what they are seeing as well. Thanks!

I added this fix to http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Uninstall_JavaFX

I have both Java 7u9 and 7u10 installed, and have managed to get FF to see Java as up-to-date. I have 7u9 disabled in the Java Control Panel (which is now version 7u10, but does NOT look like the screenshot posted by Roger), and the FF Add-On page says I have 7u9 (10.9.2.5), and it shows as up-to-date.

I also had JavaFX 2.1.1 installed, so I uninstalled it, re-booted, re-installed 7u10, and there was absolutely no change. Everything seems OK, everything runs, FF is not complaining, but shows I have 7u9 and it's "up-to-date." Java Control Panel shows BOTH versions, with 7u9 not enabled (box is unchecked). Add/remove Programs shows both 7u9 and 7u10 installed, and I am going to leave this well enough alone for now, since it's apparently working, though showing the 7u9 version in FF (and 7.0.90.5 in IE8).

Hi Icefire here,

I am operating an XP home edition computer

Since updating java (java(tm) se runtime environment update 7 u10) My browsers would not work java websites and the plugin Icon appeared saying I "need a Plugin". Up on installing it came up with an error message and said please send a report, then i t closed not updated and java still not working. I read on these forums about downloading the "offline" version closing all other programmes down then installing it. This failed too. However, I decided to check the installer properties by simply right clicking on the icon I had previously downloaded. In the properties window down in the bottom right hand corner where it says "read only" there was another button underneath it which said. "unblock". To the right of this it said this file has been block to protect your computer. Not sure why as this file came direct from Java.com

I simply clicked unblock, reinstalled it again, closed then re-opened Firefox and hey presto, java had fully installed. I check the updates window in Firefox to make sure and all was well in there too.

So a sum up.

1. download the offline version of java from java.com 2. Right click on downloaded icon / properties and click on the "unblock" button 3. Install the offline version of java 4. Although I didn't need to do this you may wish to restart your computer.

And hopefully this is what is stopping a lot of computers from loading the java plugin.  :)

Department of Homeland Security advises computer users to disable Java because of security bug

https://blog.mozilla.org/security/2013/01/11/protecting-users-against-java-vulnerability/

If you haven't tried this fix yet start here: After wasting 2 -3 hours on my own trying to make this update work successfully, I found this thread. I experienced a variety of the frustrating problems described here, and tried several of the suggested solutions. In the end, the thing that FINALLY worked for me was cor-el's advice toward the top of the thread:

Try to delete the pluginreg.dat file in the Firefox Profile Folder and maybe addons.sqlite as well to reset the plugin registry databases.

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

   Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder 

I note that I was unable to delete the addons.sqlite file as suggested, but just deleting the pluginreg.dat file did it for me.  Next time I updated my plugins, I finally saw both of the necessary plugins with the correct versions.  This suggestion also took less time than many of the other fixes I tried.

Thank you cor-el!

Running FireFox 18 on Window 7 64-bit Home Premium. Tried this:

Try to delete the pluginreg.dat file in the Firefox Profile Folder and maybe addons.sqlite as well to reset the plugin registry databases.

Did not work for me. The Java plug-in is still not installed :-(!

I have the Java Deployment Toolkit 7.0.110.21 10.11.2.21, but nothing else.

According to this bug on the Oracle site http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=8005410 , the problem occurs because their installer did not properly recognize prior Java versions and is compounded by a problem with systems having the JavaFX stand-alone application installed.

So, if you see JavaFX in your list of installed programs (Windows: Control Panel), remove it. It might also be best to remove all Java from your system before installing the new Java.

I would recommend JavaRa to uninstall all previous Java from your system, but, sadly, it has not been updated since October 2012 and does not include and will not find more recent versions of Java files and/or registry keys.

Oracle has released Java 7 update 11 to address the vulnerability recently recognized in Java 7 update 10 and some prior versions. Java 6 update 38 was not updated; support for the Java 6 versions ends in February 2013.

Best solution, based on advisory from Homeland Security, is complete disabling and/or uninstallation of ALL Java components/programs. Why risk the security of your computer/data just because Oracle has its head up its ass? Mozilla has automatically made Java an ask-first program, but I disabled it, and the Deployment Toolkit (I'm a developer), and unchecked all versions in the Java Control Panel. So far, not seeing ANY effects on ANY websites or programs. Perhaps Oracle will fix this problem sometime, since they claim Java runs on 3 billion devices....

mrnews54:

Not a developer here, and I have had Java disabled from all browsers for quite some time without ill-effects. I only have it on my system because one application uses it and I am trying to determine which portion of that application actually requires the presence of Java. Most/average users do not even need it installed. Many posts on the Java issues in this forum are from users who visit gaming sites.

I don't visit gaming sites. Although it is true I probably don't need it installed, but mine is always updated, therefore security issues aren't a concern for me. I'm careful when I browse, I don't click on everything, I don't download everything, I keep my security software up to date, all standard operating procedure. However, I use it for "time.gov" to keep my clocks accurate in my home. The latest update 11 didn't seem to resolve the issues, but maybe 12 will...

OK. Finally was able to get it installed and working.

Reviewing the listed bug (Thanks to TheOldFox! - http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=8005410 ), it listed issues with bad registry entries associated with installing JavaFX. I did have JavaFX installed at one time so it sounded like a match.

So... I de-installed all Java on the PC. Reinstalled 32- and 64-bit Java 7. Then installed both 32- and 64-bit standalone JavaFX http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/javafxjdk6-1728173.html ).

I de-installed the JavaFX installations and then the Java 7 installations to get to a clean slate.

I then re-installed 32- and 64-bit Java 7.

And it worked.

And no, don't use java for game sites.

Trunten:

I use time.gov to check the time. You only need Java if you wish to see an animated time display, per their information (second paragraph under "Issues") - http://time.gov/about.html . You can click "Click here to refresh time snapshot" just under the time/date to refresh the time display.

Trunten said:

"... mine is always updated, therefore security issues aren't a concern for me..."

Hackers are becoming very clever about infecting any site on the web, and with a zero-day vulnerability, it takes a few days or longer for a fix to be issued by software vendors (i.e., Oracle/Java) and sometimes an infected site owner will not know of the infection until users have already been infected and begin complaining. As for security software, unless it has a very vigorous behavioral analysis tool built-in, it may not catch some of the zero-day attacks as well. I run my browsers in a virtualized environment most of the time as an additional layer of protection for my system and OS. As of the end of 2012, Java has taken over the dubious spot of most vulnerable to attack, a "title" previously assigned to Adobe products.

Removing JavaFX didn't work for me at the time. Still acts broken in Firefox. Hopefully this is something the upcoming 12 update fixes. I went through everything I could think of...

Uninstalled Java, JavaFX, ran CCleaner, rebooted computer for good measure, reinstalled ONLY Java, and for the heck of it I ran CCleaner and restarted computer again... still no luck.

While many debate on if we need Java... do we even need JavaFX for Java to work properly? Or are this issues caused by something else?

Old Fox replied about the same time I did...

Yes, I'm fully aware of how time.gov works... I prefer being accurate when it comes to time and would prefer the animation option on their site. I'm fully aware of security as I've been online and working with computers for a couple decades now. I trust the sites I visit and don't just go randomly off to various places. I have a rather routine browsing schedule.

To be honest, time.gov is the only site I routinely visit that uses Java... no other sites I visit during my daily browsing habits use it. I don't visit porn and gaming sites... closest would be technology sites that provide news about games and other computer related news.

JavaFX - http://www.oracle.com/us/technologies/java/fx/overview/index.html

No you do not need JavaFX for Java to work properly.

That's what I thought, but I guess "saeba" got lucky. Even after removing whatever JavaFX is, Java's still broken, as I said. I'm tempted to return back to an old archived copy of update 9 I had. 7 update 9 worked just fine when I had it. Whatever happened with or after update 10 seems to break down.

Missing registry key ... see https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/947038#answer-397703

Java 7u9 is blocked by Mozilla

• https://blog.mozilla.org/security/2013/01/11/protecting-users-against-java-vulnerability/
• http://thenextweb.com/apps/2013/01/11/following-active-exploits-mozilla-adds-all-recent-versions-of-java-to-its-firefox-add-on-blocklist/
• Read second paragraph about Click to Play (CTP) - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java
• Using CTP (user accepts responsibility for running vulnerable plugin) - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-use-java-if-its-been-blocked
• https://krebsonsecurity.com/tag/java-7-update-9/

How long ago was this? Because, as I said, it was still working fine for me for a long time including recently until I tried the last few updates.

Also, I know about being able to manually do registry stuff... but that's the one area of computers I will not ever risk modifying... even though I feel confident enough that I know a great deal over the past few decades... it's not worth the risk, in my opinion, especially if it's something a well known software company should already know how to handle without error... which seems to be the ironic problem here that most of us will probably wait for them to correct.

Trunten, The problems with Java 7 not being detected on some Windows systems began after installing Java 7 Update 10 with most problems being resolved by uninstalling Java and JavaFX and then reinstalling the lasted Java. See https://www.java.com/en/download/help/firefox_java.xml

As a last resort, if Firefox isn't detecting Java 7 Update 11 you can try downgrading to Java 6 which is still being maintained with security updates until February 2013.

From http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Windows_installation_issues under the Add back missing registry key subsection:

Note: Oracle is aware of the issue and a fix will be released in an upcoming Java update (7u12). [ref #1] ... [ref #2]

As a temporary workaround if all else fails, you can downgrade to Java 6 by uninstalling your current version of Java (and JavaFX, if installed) and then downloading and installing the latest Java 6 JRE for 32-bit browsers from this page or from Oracle's Java SE Downloads. See the Java 6 FAQ page for more information. Note that, after February 2013, Oracle will no longer post updates of Java 6 to its public download sites but a fixed Java 7 should be released by then.

Yes, I already knew when it happened... and I was considering going back to version 6, but, since support for that ends next month and 7 update 12 supposedly fixes the registry problems, I think I'm better off waiting.

As I previously stated a few times earlier, I've already tried all various types of uninstalling and re-installations of Java and JavaFX and nothing fixed.

I appreciate your help anyway, thank you.

Fyi - the key to my restoration was to install/de-install JavaFX download for JDK 6, the standalone version instead of the v7 release. That was pointed to in the bug. Reading the bug, not luck, was the key for me ;-)!

Installing JavaFX 7, which included Java 7, wouldn't have worked.

Thank you for the clarification, I appreciate it.

I keep trying to remove Java 7 Update 13 (though in Add/Remove programs it only shows it as Java 7 Update 9)and keep getting the same error message. Error 1714. "The older version of Java cannot be removed. Contact your technical support group." So, I go to Java support, which says I need to uninstall older versions of Java before I can fix the error. I also get an error box that says "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'jre 1.7.0_09-cmsi' in the box below." I have no clue what this is. It all started when Java automatically update to the supposed 'secure' version of 7 Update 13. I'm running in circles, and no one can seem to help? Very frustrating!!!!

Charity5150

Java 7 Update 13 is the latest version of Java and fixes a number of security vulnerabilities. If you still have Java 7 Update 9, updating to Java 7 Update 13 should automatically remove that version. if it doesn't and you are getting a Java installation error 1714 then I found:

• http://www.java.com/en/download/help/error_1714.xml Error 1714. The older version of Java cannot be removed.

...which says,

CAUSE

Error 1714 is an Install Shield error code. It indicates that the installation process has failed. 

SOLUTION

Please follow the steps below for resolving this issue.

Remove any traces of the failed Java installation by uninstalling Java
Run Microsoft uninstall utility to repair corrupted registry keys that prevents programs from being completely uninstalled or blocking new installations and updates.
Download and install the Windows offline installer package.

For more information on installing java on Windows see: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#On_Windows

P.S on fixing Error 1714:

This Oracle Discussion forum thread confirms that the Microsoft uninstall utility linked in my previous reply resolved the problem:

https://forums.oracle.com/forums/thread.jspa?messageID=10259774 Thread: Cannot install Java update or uninstall old version (Java error 1714)
Quote:

Re: Cannot install Java update or uninstall old version (Java error 1714)
Posted: Apr 18, 2012 8:01 PM 
Hey dude, i had this same problem and i think i've found a fix. Go to this link http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall and download the tool. It should run you through some steps. I followed the steps for having trouble uninstalling and then eventually it gives you the option to choose the application you are having problems with from a list.

Just choose the older java version and it will remove it for you. Check the windows program list and the Java entry should be properly uninstalled and you can then install the latest version of Java. Worked for me - hope it does for you

Hearing about Java 7-13, I uninstalled all previous versions of Java (7-09, 7-10) from my computer (they had been disabled manually in FF), and re-booted. Then installed Java 7-13, no problems, everything looked great, FF plug-in check came up all green. But when I attempt to verify my version on Oracle's Java verification, it can't find it. Nothing blocked, no reason. I tried a re-install, went fine, still same problem. I did note that in the Java Control Panel, in the Java tab, when I view the currently installed JRE (7-13), it is UNchecked (not enabled), and will not allow itself to be checked. So apparently I have Java 7-13, FF sees it and has the plug-in installed properly, but Java will not allow itself to be enabled on my machine.

I've just about had it with Java, after living perfectly without it for the past month or so. I'm thinking of uninstalling it permanently, and just forgetting about it. Waste of time and brainpower trying to get it to work, now that Oracle's screwed it up forever.

UPDATE: Well I solved the problem, sort of. Went to the JRE list in the Java Control Panel, clicked Add, searched for Java apps, found one in an old JRE7 folder in Programs, clicked it and it found 7-13, and added it an another JRE (identical to the one above it), but checked (enabled) this time. Then ran the Java verification again, which floated a pop-up asking me if it was OK to run this app (clicked OK), and voila- it says I now have version 7-13. Wow that was easy-- NOT!!!

mrnews54,
Java Control Panel's "Java" tab is described here:

• http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/technotes/guides/jweb/jcp.html#java

...and includes this image: Underneath it says,

Click the Find button to launch the JRE Finder. This utility searches for unregistered private Java Runtime Environments installed in your computer and adds them to the Java Runtime Versions panel.

Does your Windows list of installed programs include a JavaFX version by any chance? That can prevent Java from being properly registered. Ref: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Uninstall_JavaFX

(Nice job in finding that workaround, by the way).

Alice, I don't believe I ever had JavaFX, or if I did, I uninstalled it several months ago.

I didn't find any of the Java or FF Help pages helpful for my issue; I think the Java installation was slightly fouled up by the presence of an old Java sub-folder in Program Files. Java 7-13 appeared in the JRE settings (as imaged above), but could not be check-marked. I used the "Add" button, navigated to the Java sub-folders, and it found the correct 7-13 on its own.

Oddly enough, two identical versions then appeared in the JRE settings panel, the second one checked, the first unchecked. I closed the Control Panel, ran the Java Verify applet (it now asked for permission), and it found the correct version now running. But when I re-opened the Java Control Panel, the un-checked listing had vanished, and there was now only one, checked, listing for 7-13.

Such are the mysteries of Java, not to mention Windows. I find it helps in solving many Windows anomalies if one tries to think like a Microsoft programmer, or, alternatively, like a complete psychotic. The solution usually manifests itself like a biblical vision, or, alternatively, like a severe case of indigestion...

Thanks for all the info, but I already tried all of that. I even ran a full virus scan (think there are some things that ended up in the 'virus chest' that might no be viruses).

The Microsoft Install/Uninstall or "Fixit" app had an error, so that was of no help.

I had an "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'jre 1.7.0_09-c.msi' in the box below. (I'm getting something similar now when iTunes tries to update, then Apple tells me it's the current version?)

I also found when I went to programs under the 'properties' tab in the Java icon, int the Java(TM) Control panel it said 'cannot find the registry key specified: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environments\1.7.0_11. Not a clue what that means.

I think I'm going to have to pay somebody to figure this out. I am starting to lose my mind. I usually don't have this much trouble uninstalling Java and installing a different/older version when need be.

I haven't given up yet, though, lol.

I also went to the 'Start' button------>My Computer---->C:\---->Program Files--->Java. and found 4 folders there: jre 1.5.0, jre 6, jre 7, and the file i downloaded to update to 7U13 named 'jxpiinstall'.

Maybe that will help figure out how to fix this?

Charity: Yikes, it sounds like you have a lot of loose Java bits rattling around your machine. First, I would make sure there are no Javas listed in Add/Remove Programs... if there are, uninstall them from there. Then, I would delete any files and folders you can find that smack of Java. (It leaves various folders/files behind even after being uninstalled.) Maybe run a search for "Java." Then re-boot, and try installing 7-13 (after re-downloading the offline version). If your Registry is seriously messed up, that may require professional intervention. Keep in mind that Java is not actually necessary for most computer users. I got along fine without it for a couple of months so, if your computer is working OK in all other respects, you might consider abandoning Oracle's monster for the moment. Unless you really need Java for gaming or something else...

Charity5150, you said,

The Microsoft Install/Uninstall or "Fixit" app had an error,

... which would be this: http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall

Since using using that tool is part of the solution to fixing the Java uninstall and install errors you were getting (see http://www.java.com/en/download/help/error_1714.xml and the oracle forum post I referenced before ) I would try again. You should make a note of the exact error message. You can then ask for help at Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/install2?&ln=en-us since this isn't actually a Firefox problem but a Java and Windows problem.

Alice and mrnews, thanks for the help. I FINALLY got the FixIt (online) to work. It uninstalled the Java 7u9. I removed folders from the Program files 'Java' folder. Now going to reboot and try to download Java 6U37? I think it was or 7U13. Thanks for all your help. It is GREATLY appreciated. Dang Pogo.com for making me a game addict! Otherwise, I don't think I would ever need Java, lol.

Yes, it's the Java 7u13 package you want. Some have had better success downloading and installing the OFFline version (about 30MB), which then installs from your desktop. I had a very smooth installation with that package, expect for one glitch, the solution to which is detailed above, on this page of this thread. (You may not even have that problem, if you have thoroughly removed all traces of previous Java installations.)

You can download the Java 7 Update 13 offline installer from http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_offline.jsp

Thank you both so much for all the help. I finally got Java 7U13 installed.....

    but there's a catch.  It only works on Internet Explorer, NOT on Mozilla Firefox. FF still has the add-ons as the old ones even on the Java page. So for now, I'll use Java on IE and see how it goes until I can fix it otherwise. *Sigh* I really don't like IE. Anyway, thanks again for all the help.

Start-->Control Panel-->Java, to open Java Control Panel.

On "Java" tab, click "View" and make sure there is only one version (1.7.0_13) and that there is a checkmark under "Enabled."

On "Advanced" tab, under "Default Java for browsers" make sure both "Microsoft Internet Explorer" AND "Mozilla family" are checked.

Then, go C:-->Program Files-->Java-->jre7-->bin-->plugin (or plugin2), and look for a file called npjp2.dll. If you mouse-over this, it should tell you it's the "Next Generation Java Plug-in 10.13.2 for Mozilla browsers." If there are any other dll files in that folder which indicate they are different versions of Java Plug-in for Mozilla, delete them. Restart FF, and it should now see only the latest Java version.

Went to Java Control Panel...2 versions there 6U38 (I unchecked that one as 'Remove' didn't come up as an option there) and 7U13 (which was enabled.) Microsoft and Mozilla were both checked.

Then, I went to C:--->Program Files--->Java-->jre7--->bin-->plugin2 found the file npjp2.dll "Next Generation Java Plug-in 10.13.2 for Mozilla browsers." Found no other dll files that mentioned java plug-in.

I'll try restarting and see how it goes. Going through all those Microsoft and Oracle Help pages didn't help as much as the Mozilla folks. Thanks again. You guys rock here!

After rebooting the system, if Java still isn't working in Firefox:

Make sure the Java(TM) Platform SE 7 U13 plugin is enabled in the Firefox Add-ons Manager Plugins list. See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Enabling_Java (If that plugin isn't even listed, first try the suggestions under the If the Java plugin does not appear in the Add-ons Manager, even though Java is installed ... heading.)

The problem could be a missing registry entry for the Mozilla plugin, which has been a problem on some systems since java 7 Update 10. See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Windows_installation_issues .... under Add back missing registry key

OK......AFter many a trial and error, Java is FINALLY working in FF and pogo once again. Just out of the blue even though it was enabled in the browser and I had restarted FF, etc. Oh well, I'll take it. Thanks again mrnews and Alice for all your help.

Ah, more Java fun and games. I did want to post this in case anyone else finds this is the way to go. What happened to me after the JavaU10 battle was I found, one morning, that there was an Java icon in my task manager tray telling me that there was a new version of Java available. I clicked it and went through the process without ever visiting Java or Oracle and it went through without a hitch...showing up immediately in FF add-ons.

I am windows 7 premium version 32 bit...well this machine is. It *might* be useful to try to update Java from the Java Icon in Windows control panel instead of using browsers...just thought I'd put this up here with this, the "java saga" thread, as something to try.

Good luck all.

Good point, Axis. I found the same notification 2 days ago on my step-mom's netbook (a very old Acer on which I recently installed FF), and had the same experience: trouble-free installation of Java 7_13 (albeit really slow). I think, though, that this notification/installation route is initiated very belatedly by Oracle, and depends on how you have Java configured, or if you even have it installed at all. I had de-activated and then removed it completely from my own machine, so no notification was forthcoming. I did notice that this installation process did warn that it might uninstall Java version 6 completely, and it probably did so.