After I updated to Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), why was I told to install Java after I

[tylin2001]

Help anyone!
After I updated to Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), why was I told to install Java after I already installed the latest Java 8 update 25?
Thanks.

 

[chas_m]

Some poorly-programmed Java apps (insert joke here) look for Java 6 specifically, rather than whatever the most recent version of this. I've seen a few similar messages like this, always asking for Java 6. The solution, for me, has been to either update the app in question to the latest version, or to contact the developer to see when a Java 8-compatible version will be available, or go give up and find an alternative if there is obviously no path to an update.

 

[tylin2001]

Thanks chas_m,

I see, but are there any ways to know which apps are causing the problem (namely, apps asking for Java 6)?

Thanks.

 

[chas_m]

Presumably you are launching the apps, either from your machine or through a web browser: so don't you know?

 

[tylin2001]

No, I don't know. I had this message (see attachment) about Java, as soon as I started up my MacBook Pro with no apps running at all, except for "Finder". Unless, "Finder" is the problem.

 

[tylin2001]

So sorry, I forgot to upload the attachment.

 

[chas_m]

when you click on "more info," what happens? That's a message from your browser, by the way, which is trying to start a pre-opened page or home page that includes Java content.

What should happen is you're either taken to an Apple Support Page or Oracle's Java distribution page, where you should download and install the Jave 8 RE latest version. Once you do that, you can use the built-in Java control panel in system preferences to keep it up-to-date.

 

[tylin2001]

Yes, you were right about what happened after "more info" was clicked. By clicking it, I was taken to the next screen (see attached) to install the latest Java 8 update 25. I did the install successfully. But the message asking me to update to the latest Java kept popping up as soon as I started up the computer with no apps running at all.

 

[chas_m]

If you're sure it has installed successfully, then you need to check your startup items to ensure that nothing is starting up automatically that requires Java, for example your Safari browser and a home page you've chosen.

You can check if the Java has in fact installed successfully by going to System Preferences and saying hello to the new Java preference pane, which will let you know what version it thinks its running.

 

[tylin2001]

Good point. Now how do I check for my startup items?

Also, as you suggested, I checked system preference to ensure the computer is running Java 8 update 25.

Thanks.

 

[chas_m]

System Preferences --> Users & Groups --> (your account) --> Login Items.

Also, on your Dock programs that you've set to launch automatically will do so very noticeably on startup.

 

[tylin2001]

I checked "Login Items" under Users and Groups. There is one item, iTunesHelper (see attached).

 

[chas_m]

Then it's probably something that's launching automatically on the Dock, such as Safari. Check what icons a tiny white dot underneath them after a clean startup.

 

[tylin2001]

So, iTunesHelper in the login items is not the problem?

After a clean startup, there are no dots under any icons (including Safari) in the Dock, except for Finder. But, the message still keeps popping up.

 

[gsahli]

Because it will tell us more about what is auto-starting, please download and run "etrecheck." And post the results.

 

[MacInWin]

Yes, you were right about what happened after "more info" was clicked. By clicking it, I was taken to the next screen (see attached) to install the latest Java 8 update 25. I did the install successfully. But the message asking me to update to the latest Java kept popping up as soon as I started up the computer with no apps running at all.

You may have gotten away with it this time, but as a general rule it is not a good idea to click on links that offer to install things. If I wanted Java (but I don't) I would not click on a link any website offered but go directly to the developer website and download it directly from there. Many, many instances of malware and malicious software installations come from clicking on links that may or may not take you to the real site.

Also, Java is shot full of security holes, so if you do want to install it, make sure you go to Safari/Preferences/General and Uncheck the "Open 'Safe'..." box. At least you may get some minor security coverage that way.

 

[vansmith]

The solution, for me, has been to either update the app in question to the latest version, or to contact the developer to see when a Java 8-compatible version will be available, or go give up and find an alternative if there is obviously no path to an update.

Sound advice that warrants one small addition: Java 6 is end of life'd which means that it no longer receives security updates from Oracle. Sticking with Java 6 exclusive versions is a bad call if newer supported versions work.

 

[Csmac]

I hope you don't mind my jumping in here. I understood that the reason that apps ask for Java 6 is that it was the last to be able to run 32 bit apps. Maybe that isn't true, but that is what I read so installed Java 6. Any ideas on this issue? BTW muCommander is one that requests Java 6.

 

[tymixx]

Arrrrgh, this thread is driving me batty trying to remember. Earlier this week I was updating some app (can't remember, tghat's why I'm batty) and it wanted Java updated. It totally hit be by surprise. And this 32/64-bit issue had something to do with it.

Now if I can only remember and be of some help here!
Merry Christmas to all
- ty

 

[tylin2001]

Thanks every one for the advice on my problem. After I reinstalled Yosemite, the problem is gone. No more asking to install Java again. I guess I went the hard(er) way.