If you have been having problems with Java, and you have followed some of the instructions on other forums you may find that you no longer can get Java to install because of an error.

When you attempt to run the java installer file you receive the message:

When you click Yes to the above question you receive the error:

This problem is caused because the Windows Installer information for a previous installation of Java has been removed or damaged, but the related registry keys are still present causing the Java installer to think it is already installed.

This problem can be caused if you used the "Windows Installer Cleanup Utility" to remove the Java™ entries without first uninstalling Java properly.

To fix this problem you must remove the two places in the registry that the Java installer looks at in order to determine which versions are currently installed. By removing these entries, the Java installer will begin a new installation instead of attempting to repair the old corrupt installation.

This problem is confirmed in both Windows XP and Windows Vista.

The current version of the Java installer as of this writing is Java 6 Update 14. To make things easy, I have provided a .reg fix that you can use to remove the necessary entries and get the Java 6 Update 14 to install. It will also work for other versions of Java if your problem started after you ran the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. If you need a fix for a newer version of Java when it comes out, reply to this thread and I will create the new fix for that version.

You may download the current version of Java here: http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
I recommend that you use the offline installer version.

The registry fix is listed here:


Please download the attached .zip file and open it. Run the RemoveJ6u14.reg file and allow Registry Editor to import the changes into your registry. Once done, you can start the Java 6 Update 14 installer and it will proceed normally with no errors about it already being installed.

Here's the .zip file:  RemoveJ6u14.zip ( 355bytes ) Number of downloads: 315

This works on both Windows XP and Vista.

This post has been edited by appleoddity: Jun 25 2009, 08:56 PM

Hey appleoddity! Have probs you described with JRE 6 update 15. http://www.java.com/en/download/inc/windows_new_xpi.jsp

Running Firefox but am sure others who run IE would be interested as well.

Sure appreciate your offer "If you need a fix for a newer version of Java when it comes out, reply to this thread and I will create the new fix for that version. ".

Happy to not have to try deleting all "java" keys (got a bunch!).

Again, Appreciated guy! Thanks, Diligent

Hi Diligent... A big welcome to WhatTheTech.

I will update this thread soon. I currently do not have a Vista machine in front of me.

When I release the fix I want it to work for both Vista and XP, so I need to get to a Vista machine tomorrow.

Be patient and thanks for your interest.

@ appleoddity

Saw in a thread you posted that you were busy, That's understandable. So I had to make a decision not knowing when you would be back or be able to make a new fix. So I tried the u14 anyway. Saw a (?) "mis" change. Also did an Erunt registry reset. Java Now working. Folks at Comodo are awaiting your new fix, as I have advised them of your first post. So when ya get the new fix done, when ya have time, I'll let them know if that is alright with you. You can check in with them too, ya know. BTW, I do find this forum quite interesting. Bookmarked!!

Take your time my friend. You have a personal life too!

My Best to ya, Diligent (Jim), in the Evergreen State of Washington (west coast).

Urgent help is required! I have the same problem!

After installing Java 6 update 16, I accidentally used Windows Install Clean Up and deleted this update. I also deleted the folder in Programs Files and now I can't reinstall the update and keep getting the error message.

Please provide fix or provide guide as to which registry entry to delete or change as soon as you can.

I'm using Windows Vista Ultimate.

Thank you.

Because your problem occured as a result of using the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, you should be able to run the registry fix I provided in my initial post and have the problem resolved.

The fix will remove this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Runtime Environment
This is left behind after the windows installer cleanup.

The problem occurs because the Java setup program you download looks for "evidence" of a current installation of Java on your computer (the above registry key). If it finds it, it will attempt to run the currently installed "installer file" rather than reinstalling with the fresh installer you downloaded. If the installer cleanup was used, those installer files are deleted, so the problem occurs. It makes no sense to me why Java would do this, and hopefully someone from the development team will see this and fix the problem once and for all.

This post has been edited by appleoddity: Sep 12 2009, 07:47 AM

Yes it works! Thanks a lot! You're a great help.

I made an account on this site just to say thank you. You were a great help and solved the problem fast.

I have been researching how to fix this for about a week and I could find no answer.

I finally resorted to Java.com's live chat support and the person said it would cost 35$ to fix.. and I was like. no.

There are so many people out there with this problem I discovered and there are really no answers for it.

Java really needs to fix the problem.

Thank you so much man you are a great help!

Just another fine example of the talent we have at WTT