Managing Java

[dcsdne]

How do you manage Java Updates? We have a Dell KACE appliance, but I am constantly told it can't be done automagically and must be a manually process. Or that its too complex and open browsers kill the install. Can't browsers be forced to close... Time and time again we end up with systems running 3 versions of Java. Who has a working process to handle Java? I know it can be done as there are 1000's of companies and Schools that use it. I am at the point where I am going to take over the duties of software updates. Being a network engineer I had hoped my sys admin would do this, but it is what it is.

 

Thanks

[Sam_Brown]

We use SCCM 2012 to handle the majority of our software deployments. You can get the Java MSI file out of the temp folder when you install it on a test machine.

 

https://www.java.com/en/download/help/msi_install.xml

 

Then we just push it out and set it to uninstall the previous version at the same time.

[TG_MI]

You can also use a GPO to deploy the MSI, (installs upon startup) which is what we do normally. I will warn you though that a small percentage of systems seem to fail an update when pushing the Java MSI using GPO. Thank Oracle for that. Usually using the Windows Installer Cleanup utility (detect and remove previous Java elements) will correct the issue. Sometimes that fails and I have to dive into the registry (usually there's a leftover subkey related to Java under Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\ that prevents proper installation of a new version) a bit and delete a key.

[TG_MI]

A bit more info:

 

To grab the MSI from the Java installer:

1. Download the latest offline installer from Java Downloads for All Operating Systems

2. Double click the installer to get it started, but don't finish it. It should extract the MSI and cab file to a directory under: "%userprofile%\Appdata\LocalLow\Sun\Java" Copy the directory to an alternate location and exit out of the installer.

 

Once you have the .msi, you can decide how you'd like to deploy it.

[free780]

We had to set our deployment type to install when the user logs off. Otherwise Java doesn't install properly as IE is usually open.

[DrPerceptron]

You can also use a GPO to deploy the MSI, (installs upon startup) which is what we do normally.

 

This is what we do, however, we only push Java out to machines/users that have specifically requested it (less than a tenth of the total PCs we have)

 

I got far too frustrated with having to deal with machines not installing software due to a bodged install of Java from 20 updates ago.

[cooka]

MSI + GPP = Easy life!

[Theblacksheep]

We worked out what programs used Java to deliver the curriculum. Checked with the dept heads on those pieces of software, found alternatives for the 1-2 programs that were still required. Removed any that were no longer required.

 

No more java updates.