Sun Java runtime updates...

Stonedofmoo · 21 Aug 2007 at 16:53

Is there any particular reason that after installing a Sun Java update it leaves the old, bug ridden, and presumably exploitable versions installed still?

I see so many PC's that can have as many as 10-15 versions of Java on their PC ranging from Java 1.3.0, 1.4.2, 1.5.x and now 1.6.x versions, and combined they can use as much as a gig of space on the users drive.

Is there any way to stop this, or perhaps a handy option of simply removing or overwriting old versions when you install an update rather than then having to manually removing old versions with Add/Remove.

Much oblidged

MarcLister · 21 Aug 2007 at 17:27

Hi. I've also noticed this. I can't understand why Sun can't make their Java installers look for previous versions and remove them automatically or prompt the user to remove them.

I think this doesn't represent a safety flaw as Windows will use the newer runtime.

As far as I know, the only way to remove them is to uninstall them. Seems a bit silly. Perhaps someone will post with a method that works.

Stonedofmoo · 21 Aug 2007 at 19:51

Yup hopefully someone has the answer!

modo77 · 21 Aug 2007 at 19:59

Just remove the old versions, it doesn't break the latest one. No idea why it doesn't take the old ones off when you install a newer version.