Problems installing Java 7 update 17

javasoftware-update

When trying to use my online bank, I was directed to the Java update site (again). I downloaded and installed Java 7 update 17, and the installer reported that everything was a-ok. Clearly, that was something of lie.

Now, when I try to check my Java version on http://java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp, it says that "An old version of Java has been detected on your system". I have tried installing the update again, but the results remain the same. I have also tried rebooting.

On the command line, java -version reports

java version "1.6.0_43"

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_43-b01-447-11M4203)

Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.14-b01-447, mixed mode)

I remember that there used to be some kind of settings where I could choose between installed Java versions, but now I cannot find it. Under "System preferences" there is no mention of Java, and when I search for Java in Spotlight, the only application that comes up is Java VisualVM, whatever that is.

Any ideas as to what might be wrong?

I am running OS 10.8.3 on an Intel Core i3 iMac with 4 GB RAM.

Best Answer

The problem is that you have two Java Runtime Environments (JREs) installed on your system, Apple's 1.6.x and Oracle's 1.7.x. As evidenced by running java -version JRE 1.6 is the default JRE on your system. You likely want to change the default JRE to Oracle's 1.7 JRE.

You are correct in that there used to be a System Preference for setting the default JRE. Apple removed that as part of the Java Mac OS X 2012-006 update. The new way for selecting the default JRE is to use the /usr/libexec/java_home command. Read the java_home man page as well as the Determining the Default Version of the JDK section of this Oracle page for more info on how to specify the default JRE.

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