Update Sun's Java Software
 
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Java Platform, Standard Edition or Java SE (formerly known as Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition or J2SE until the name was changed to Java(TM) SE in version 6.0), is used by your computer to run certain web based applications. These may include web based training applications.

NOTE: These steps are written for College of Ag Science Enterprise Dell machines with Windows XP Professional.

NOTE: As of Oct 2, 2007, the current version of Sun's Java client is 1.6.0 (build 1.6.0_03-b05). If you have previous versions of this Plugin installed, you should remove them and update to the current version.

How to remove existing Java software versions
How to install Java(TM) 6 Update 3
Verify Java Plug-in Version

Testing Java

NOTE: College of Ag Science Enterprise Dell machines ship with a version of Sun Java. Perform Step 1 to see if you have working Java software. Then do Step 2 to determine your version of Sun's Java.
    1. To see if you have Sun's Java, complete these steps:
      • Click Start, then Control Panel.
      • Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel.
      • Scroll down in the list. Look for any programs that begin with the words "Java(TM) ..." or "Java 2" or "J2SE Runtime."
      • If you do not see any programs like this, close the Add/Remove Programs control panel. Go to How to install Java(TM) 6 Update 3.
      • If you DO see programs that start with these words, you're using Sun's Java.

    2. To determine your version of Sun's Java, complete these steps:
      • You should also see a Java(TM) Plug-in or Java Control Panel in the Control Panel window.
      • Open the Java control panel. If you don't see it, click the Switch to Classic View link on the left. Then open the Java control panel.
      • When the Java control panel opens, you will be at the General tab.
      • On the General tab, click the About button.
      • If the version listed is not Version 1.6.0 (build 1.6.0_03-b05), you need to remove any older versions and update to the current version.

How to remove existing Java software versions

  1. Exit ALL open application windows. Ex: Internet Explorer, Outlook, etc.
  2. Click Start, then Control Panel.
  3. Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel.
  4. Scroll down in the list. If you have any programs that begin with the words "Java (TM) ..." or "Java 2 ...", continue to the next step.

    NOTE: You will be removing any "Java(TM) ..." or "Java 2" or "J2SE Runtime ..." listings from Add/Remove Programs.

  5. Highlight the first "Java(TM) ..." or "Java 2" or "J2SE Runtime ..." listing. Click Remove. When asked if you're sure, click Yes.
  6. Repeat to remove all the "Java(TM) ..." or "Java 2" or "J2SE Runtime ..." listings.
  7. Close the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
  8. Restart the computer.

How to install Java(TM) 6 Update 3

  1. Click this link to download the Java v1.6.0_3 software.
  2. At the File Download window that appears, choose Save.
  3. Save the file jre-6u3-windows.exe to a convenient location, such as the the Desktop.
  4. Click Save. Click Close. Exit Internet Explorer.

    Note: Please close all open programs before installing the software.

  5. From the desktop, double-click on the "jre-6u3-windows.exe" file.
  6. If asked, click Run to start the installer.

    Note: If you choose to click the "Show advanced options panel" box before clicking Accept in Step 7, your steps will not match below. Please be aware of this.

  7. In the Welcome to Java window, click Accept.

    Note: If asked, we recommend that you do not install Google Desktop.

  8. Click Next. Wait while the program is installed. It will take several minutes. Allow the process to finish completely.
  9. When done, click Finish.
  10. Delete the "jre-6u3-windows.exe" file.

Verify Java Plug-in Version

Follow these steps will allow you to verify that the Sun Java software is working.

  1. Click Start, then Control Panel.
  2. Open the Java control panel. If you don't see it, click the Switch to Classic View link on the left. Then open the Java control panel.
  3. When the Java control panel opens, you will be at the General tab.
  4. On the General tab, click the About button. The version listed should be 1.6.0 (build 1.6.0_03-b05).
  5. Click Close. Click OK to close the Java Control Panel.
  6. Open the Add or Remove Programs control panel.
  7. Scroll down in the list. You should see "Java(TM) 6 Update 3 " listed.
  8. Close the Add or Remove Programs control panel. Close the Control Panel window.

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How To Update Sun's Java software 12/03/04 [vcv]
Updated 4-11-05 [vcv];Updated 6-15-05 [vcv]
Updated 11-30-05 [vcv];Updated 12-12-05 [vcv]
Updated 5-29-06 [vcv];Updated 8-21-06 [vcv]
Updated 10-27-06 [vcv];Updated 12-20-06 [vcv]; Updated 2-15-07 [vcv]; Updated 4-10-07 [vcv]; Updated 6-18-07 [vcv]; Updated 10-4-07 [vcv];
 

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