Today Floyd asks:

I have been trying to install Java 5.0 on my SP machine. It is needed to run some other software I have loaded on my machine.

It downloads from the SUN Web site okay and it looks like it is installing okay. But when I test to make sure it is installed (a test on the SUN Web site) it says that it was not installed. I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling… all with the same result of failure.

I’ve searched the FAQs and even call SUN but its tech support does not offer phone help.

What am I doing wrong?

Not sure if you are referring to a Vista or XP patched SP (Service Pack) installation or just “XP” as in Windows XP, with a S vs an X? Either way, my recommendations would largely be the same.

First install their latest, which is going to be version 6 I believe. Using a browser such as Firefox, try the installation again. I have heard others have had problems installing Java with Ineternet Explorer. If this is your browser of choice, try the following:

• At the security warning, choose install.
• The accept.
• Follow the prompts and you are done.

If you are still having problems getting it installed, I would check to see if you have another version appearing in Add/Remove programs. See about completely removing it and trying again.

Do you have an IT-related question? Perhaps you are just burnt out on writing on the walls with crayons? Whatever the comments may be, drop me a line, and you too can “Just Ask Matt!”