# Can Java Updates be removed from Firefox?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-java-updates-be-removed-from-firefox/559862>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 8, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-java-updates-be-removed-from-firefox/559862 "2010-11-08T03:09:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-java-updates-be-removed-from-firefox/559862/1 "2010-11-08T03:09:02Z")

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I stopped installing Java a couple years ago because the constant updates were trashing up my control panel.

I built a new computer and installed Java two months ago. I’ve already got 4 of those things in my Firefox Add Ons List. :eek:

This is getting so ridiculous. Right now I have 6.0.20, 6.0.21 and 6.0.22 consoles. Plus a Java Quick Starter 1.0. All that in two months!!

1. Why can’t Java clean up behind itself? Why do they insist on trashing up computers with old versions of Java lying around?

2. Is it ok to delete the older versions from FireFox add ons?

3. I’ve read malware can exploit old versions of Java. Are there any utilities or Apps that will automatically purge this crap and only leave the current one on the PC?

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-java-updates-be-removed-from-firefox/559862/2 "2010-11-08T15:01:39Z")

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I uninstalled the oldest java console (6.0.20 under firefox add-ons) this morning. So far no issues. I’m baffled why java leaves these behind. I’ll uninstall 6.0.21 tomorrow.

At least java isn’t trashing my control panel like it used to a few years ago. I only have one java icon right now.

I found this on the java site.

> [@](#):
>
> Should I remove older versions of Java?  
> We highly recommend users remove all older versions of Java from your system.  
> Keeping old and unsupported versions of Java on your system presents a serious security risk.  
> Removing older versions of Java from your system ensures that Java applications will run with the most up-to-date security and performance improvements on your system.

[http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove\_olderversions.xml](http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml)

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**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-java-updates-be-removed-from-firefox/559862/3 "2010-11-08T17:14:53Z")

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I would recommend using [Revo Unistaller](http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/revo-uninstaller/revouninstaller.html) to uninstall all java and Firefox as well.

Use the free version. I have the paid version but the few extra options in my opinion aren’t worth it. But I find this a great FREE tool to remove all the programs from your computer. It does a great job not leaving things behind.

So I would install Revo Uninstaller and get rid of all Java and Firefox. Also restore IE (Whatever version you have) to it’s original state. Do this by going on IE

Tools -\> Internet Options -\> Advanced Tab -\> Reset (located about three quarters of the way down). If I recall correctly you will lose stored passwords in IE when you reset so have them available if you do this.

Then DL the latest version of FF and Java and start over from scratch.

Once Java is intalled and Firefox are installed and IE is reset, change your Java update options.

Go to

Start -\> Control Panel -\> Programs -\> Java (this will be near the bottom)

Click the “Update Tab” at the top

Then you can choose how the updates will be applyed. The drop down box will allow you to be notified before installing or before updating. The advanced box below that will allow you to say how often Java looks for updates.