[RESOLVED] Is it safe to uninstall/delete older Java updates?

[CompCues]

We have two computers on a home network, using DSL, Windows XP. One is a Compaq Presario 5400US desktop computer, 300+ MB HD available space, 256 RAM (Win. XP Professional). I have removed numerous programs, run Defrag, and a batch program to allow more HD space.

There are several Java 6 updates listed in Control Panel (Add-on/Remove). Is it safe to remove all but the most recent update(s) to increase HD space?
Thanks in advance.

[Midknyte]

Try JavaRa.

http://raproducts.org/

JavaRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Simply select "Check for Updates" or "Remove Older Version" to begin. JavaRa is free under the GNU GPL version two.

[Welshjim]

There are several Java 6 updates listed in Control Panel (Add-on/Remove). Is it safe to remove all but the most recent update(s) to increase HD space?

The answer is usually yes. The only time it would cause problems is if you have a specific program or website that needs the older version. And even then you can reinstall the old version if needed.
On the other hand, have you looked into Control Panel|Add/Remove? The latest version may have uninstalled the old version. Even if it hasn't there usually is no harm in having two versions installed.
Look into IE Tools|Internet Options|Advanced tab. Do you see both versions under Java (Sun)? If so, only can usually be in use at one time. That is the one with the check mark next to it. If only one version is shown, that suggests Windows recognizes only that one.

[Broni]

It's not only safe, but recommended, because older versions have security issues.

[HAN]

Not to step on your toes Midknyte but I found JavaRa to not be of much use. It never really touched the old Java files on the PC I tried it on. And making it even of less value, new versions of Java (from 6 Update 10 on) remove earlier versions (also from 6 Update 10) automatically. So once you're up to date, it should pretty well take care of itself from then on...

[Broni]

Believe me, there is a bunch of people out there, who have a lot of old Java versions, preceding Update 10.
I can see the problem every day, while playing with HJT issues.
Among those people, when I see someone with current Java version, I'm simply pleasantly, but surprised.

[Midknyte]

Not to step on your toes Midknyte but I found JavaRa to not be of much use. It never really touched the old Java files on the PC I tried it on. And making it even of less value, new versions of Java (from 6 Update 10 on) remove earlier versions (also from 6 Update 10) automatically. So once you're up to date, it should pretty well take care of itself from then on...

Good to know. Haven't used it in a while. No toes were harmed in the making of this post.

[lgbpop]

Believe me, there is a bunch of people out there, who have a lot of old Java versions, preceding Update 10.
I can see the problem every day, while playing with HJT issues.
Among those people, when I see someone with current Java version, I'm simply pleasantly, but surprised.

Amen. I just returned a machine to a local customer last week who STILL had 1.4.0_3 on hers. To be fair, it had been offline for over a year, but even so...

[Dude111]

I would think ALL NEW VERSIONS OF JAVA could handle anything that used say 1.3.x or 1.4.x JUST FINE!