Ticket Options

Question Profile

Question Details

TICKET ARCHIVE -> Java

tollan23 - Jun 30, 2008 - 1:29 pm

Hi There

I seem to have some problems with Java. For instance, when trying to upload photos in Facebook, the java "thing" won't work. It's no longer asking me if I trust the certificate. This has happened on other websites as well.

I have tried to go in to Java webstart in Utilites and when it opens I am getting these messages:

"java.security.PrivilagesActionException: java.io.IOException: permission denied"

"java.lang.NullPointerException"

I'm not quite sure what all this means and to be honest I'm not really sure "what" java actually is (is embarrassed). Can you help?

All the best,
ANies

gsahli - Jun 30, 2008 - 2:02 pm

Java is a computer language that gets "interpreted" when run. This means that as long as the supporting code is available, a java program will run on any kind of computer - Mac, PC, linux, iPod, etc. Support is included in a normal OS X install.

It seems like something is messed up in your OS X. Let's try some generic OS X fixes (one at a time - then restart your Mac and try what you want to get working each time):
Go to Disk Utility and "repair permissions."
Download the latest Mac OS X Combo Updater and re-update with that (You don't use Software Update for this - download the file directly from Apple.).
Start your Mac using the installer DVD and use Disk Utility from there to repair disk - read this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417
(where it says Try Disk Utility)

tollan23 - Jun 30, 2008 - 3:54 pm

Hi There,

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately none of them worked. One thing I forgot to say earlier is that java is working in other accounts on the same computer. I have filled my hard drive with applications so I wonder if that could be a cause. Do I need to "re-set" java in my account (I don't really know what I'm talking about)?

All the best,
Anies

gsahli - Jun 30, 2008 - 8:18 pm

How much hard drive free space do you have?

Thanks for telling me about other accounts. That usually points to preference files getting corrupted. I find 5 files that have java and .plist in their names on my computer - these are preference files.

Two ways to deal - find a .plist scrubber program and let it analyze your .plists.

Or, drag the java .plist files one at a time to the desktop and try what you were doing before.

tollan23 - Jul 1, 2008 - 1:38 pm

Hi There,

I only found 2 "java .plist" in the preferences folder. nothing different happened when I dragged them on to my desk top and a newer version was created in the preferences folder when I tried to use java in safari. Actually, when I did a spotlight search using "java .plist" I get no results, which is a bit strange.

I downloaded an application called "service scrubber" but to be honest I don't really understand what I'm meant to do with it. It just creates a list of applications. I'm probably being a bit thick though. Can you recommend an application to use? I have done a google search for ".plist scrubber" but with few results.

All the best,
Anies

gsahli - Jul 1, 2008 - 3:04 pm

I forgot to ask what OS X version you have.
Here's a prefs checker:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/24708
Preferences are found in Library/Preferences and in /Users/[yourusername]/Library/Preferences.

tollan23 - Jul 1, 2008 - 3:29 pm

as of last night I am using OS x 10.5.4

I tried the link for prefcheck 3.0 but when I try to download it I am constantly redirected to this page before it is downloaded:

http://www.anustudy.com/adv.php?id=2...e=MacTheRipper

I know where the preferences folders are but I could only find 2 .plist entries with java in the file name. These were :

com.apple.java.JavaPreferences.plist

and

com.apple.java.util.prefs.plist

Is this any help to you?

All the best,
Anies

gsahli - Jul 1, 2008 - 4:48 pm

I just checked and I got redirected too.
At this point I'd say I only have two suggestions - download the 10.5.4 Combo Updater from Apple when it becomes available and re-update.

If that doesn't help, then I recommend you reinstall using the archive & install option in the installer.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544

tollan23 - Jul 1, 2008 - 5:46 pm

Hi,

Well... I found an app called preferential Treatment on the prefcheck website. It seems to do pretty much the same thing, so I ran it and it found 2 plist entries that were corrupted, so I deleted them. I also ran the 10.5.4 combo. Neither have helped.

It seems a little extreme to reinstall. Are you sure there isn't another avenue to explore?

gsahli - Jul 1, 2008 - 6:48 pm

You could try reinstalling just java. Using Custom install, make sure only Java is checked.

The reason reinstalling is the fallback method is that there are 150,000+ files in OS X, and we don't have any tools that can identify which file is causing the problem.
The Archive & Install option in the installer replaces just system files - User files are left alone.

tollan23 - Jul 2, 2008 - 3:34 pm

Hi,

OK, so I reinstalled the operating system. I unchecked everything e.g X11, languages, printer drivers etc. There was no option to reinstall java. I reinstalled to 10.5.2 and used the combo to upgrade to 10.5.4 and..... some problem! Arrrgggghhhh!!!

tollan23 - Jul 2, 2008 - 4:58 pm

OK... still not working but I think I discovered the correct terminology. The java Applet won't load or initiate. Does this information help in any way?

All the best,
Anies

gsahli - Jul 2, 2008 - 5:39 pm

Java applets are the java programs I told you can run on multiple operating systems. You have a problem with your Java installation.

Sorry, but I haven't seen your particular issue and don't think I'm going to be much more help. I'm going to send you back to the rest of the Techs.

My only idea at this time is - backup all your user files, and do a complete erase and install.

tollan23 - Jul 2, 2008 - 5:45 pm

ok. Shall I re-post the question for other techs to battle with then?

tollan23 - Jul 2, 2008 - 6:04 pm

Is there a way to uninstall java... and then reinstall it?

TechSupport - Jul 5, 2008 - 6:10 pm

We apologize for not being able to resolve the issue you asked of us. It is the absolute worst case scenario for us to do this. In our review of why this happens, it generally is related to either the particular issue being addressed or frequently, incomplete or incorrect information provided. We hope by moving your request to the public forums that you will be able to get a solution without leaving you empty handed.

Your ticket has been closed with our support team. Your request has just been posted to Mac OS X System & Mac Software and is available for your viewing at:

http://macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301725

Again, thank you for using Macosx.com. We hope you will consider using us again in the future.