topic Re: These files safe to delete? in Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

These files safe to delete?

Calls — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:02:18 GMT

Vista Home Premium 32 bit, Vista SP 2

NIS 2010 17.8.0.5

I found these files in

C:|Windows\System 32

jupdate-1.6.0_13-b03

jupdate-1.6.0_15-b03

File Type Text Document

and a few others like that

Scanned with NIS and they show clean

I know they have to do with Java, but I'm thinking they are from the older versions

Can these safely be deleted? if they remain can they mess up newer Java installations, in that it gives the newer builds false direction?

Re: These files safe to delete?

AllenM — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:55:18 GMT

Hi Calls,

First, you really should not mess around removing files in any of the Windows directories. If you remove the wrong thing you can make your computer unbootable.

Specifically if these two files have a .log extension (I have the same files) then you can safely remove them if JAVA 1.6 is no longer installed. I hesitate to say this because I'm concerned you will start making a habit of removing files there and I certainly don't want to encourage that, if you know what I mean. :smileywink:

And no they won't mess up newer installations.

Best wishes.

Allen

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:50:23 GMT

@ Calls ...if your intent is to clean out older versions of Java. Check your Control Panel > Programs. Unistall older versions via Control Panel not your directory. And / Or run JavaRa.

JavaRa

JavaRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Simply select “Check for Updates” or “Remove Older Version” to begin. JavaRa is free under the GNU GPL version two.

Java and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

More Information

Download Windows Binary (.zip file)

Vista ~ Run As Administrator

Older versions of Java were not removed during the install of new versions of Java. The result is that a number of different versions of the JRE may exist on your computer. These older versions potentially pose a threat to your sense of security due to the possible vulnerabilities or security holes that may exist in them. Java has fixed this.

Current version installs of Java will remove only the immediate prior version of Java. Running JavaRa will clean out old Java remnants while not affecting the current up to date installed version. After you run JavaRa...updates are readily peformed via Control Panel > Programs > Java > Java Console

Java 6u23 does not contain any additional fixes for security vulnerabilities to its previous release, Java 6u22. Users who have Java 6u22 have the latest security fixes and do not need to upgrade to this release to be current on security fixes.

Re: These files safe to delete?

AllenM — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:46:14 GMT

Hi bjm_,

Calls has mentioned in another thread that he removed all versions of JAVA already. I have uninstalled all the old versions of JAVA as well and still have the two files he referenced.

Calls should double check in Control panel > Uninstall a program to verify but I do recall he uninstalled all of them before and left with no version of JAVa at all. :smileywink:

And then had to reinstall the latest version.

I have not had occasion to run the tool you mentioned but I doubt that it will clean out old files for a version of JAVA which is not showing as installed any more but I could be wrong on that. :smileywink:

As long as the old version of JAVA is no longer installed the log files are harmless though they do take up a bit of space on the hard drive and all these old unnecessary files do add up over time. :smileywink:

Best wishes.

Allen

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:08:35 GMT

@ AllenM

Try JavaRa.... (check all boxes) if as you say it won't do anything...no loss. JavaRa will not disturb the installed up to date version.

I've run JavaRa on my boxes and others. The results amaze me everytime.

The tool has but one purpose....to clean out Java dross.

Safer than picking at ones directory as you point out.

Even with only the current up to date Java version listed in Programs. It is common to have Java dross from older versions that were not removed upon install of new version. Java finally fixed their sloppy new version install. Current Java versions remove the immediate prior version.

What JavaRa does is to check if your computer has the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE). If the version you have installed has been superseded by a newer version the program will download and install this newer version for you, by running Java's update program. JavaRa then allows you to remove all possible older versions of this program.

In some instances Java Runtime Environment (JRE) will create logs or temporary files which are not needed in normal circumstances. These files take up space and can be safely removed. JavaRa does this tedious job for you with one click of a button.
Simply select the "Remove Useless Files" button once in a while to remove these old useless files.

JavaRa is provided "as-is" same as all sofware.

Re: These files safe to delete?

AllenM — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:11:46 GMT

Hi bjm_,

Don't I know it? :smileytongue: I'll run this later on because I'm curious if it will actually clean up old files left behind by versions of JAVA which are no longer installed.

One of the biggest problems I have with almost all software out there is that they don't remove all the crap they put in during install. They leave files around, leave entries in the registry and list goes on and on! :smileysad:

I could understand it if they left something in the registry to track prior product keys, that seems reasonable but almost all software leaves far more behind than that.

I steadfastly believe that Microsoft should not grant certification to any software until it has demonstrated that an uninstall removes all of the stuff it adds during install, again with a few exceptions for things like tracking previous product keys, etc.

This is but one of the reasons why we always tell people they should run a removal tool to remove old security software, particularly when switching to a different security product.

But then I digress sometimes. :smileyhappy:

Allen

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:33:16 GMT

Hi Allen'

Our dialog as always is an honor and and a privilege. As to Calls. IMO JavaRa is safer than rooting around in ones directory. The app is small, free and simply offers a viable alternative to Java's long time sloppy install process.

Saved to Desktop. Vista Run As Admin. Win7 by my read is not supported. Currently, JavaRa supports Windows 9x, 2k, XP, and Vista without UAC. Vista requires Run As Admin

google JavaRa .....you'll find lots of info

Secunia Forum consistently points to JavaRa ....

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:52:35 GMT

@ Calls et al

If you want a second opinion as to whether you have satisfied the uninstall of old Java and old Java remnants.

If you want a second opinion as to whether old Java and/or old Java remnants pose a security vulnerability.

Run Secunia PSI in Advanced Mode. Review PSI System Requirements

No need to rummage through your system. PSI will do it for you.

Follow up any Insecure / Out of date / Questions at Secunia Forum

Secunia PSI ver 2.0 released 12/20/10 ~~ 2.0 new feature Auto Update: The new functionality allows users to configure their system to Auto Update, so that they can relax, safely knowing that most security patches will automatically be installed without further user interaction.

Older version is available.

Re: These files safe to delete?

jarrycanada — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:30:18 GMT

I agree with AllenM don't delete stuff from the system32 folder unless you plan to spend the night reinstalliing windows.

You could try Revo Uninstaller Pro or the none paid version. but it's worth the extra cash to get the pro because it undos everything. but the best thing to do is nothing.

tip of the day, don't ever delete anything from that system32 folder, if you do and must, back it up to another folder on the system drive. say c:\backup of system32 that way you can go back later and restore the missing file. just a word to the wise.

Re: These files safe to delete?

SendOfJive — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:10:51 GMT

I'm with jarrycanada on this, as well. One of the first books I ever read about computers had this nugget of wisdom for non-advanced users: Never delete a file that you didn't create yourself. Hard drives today are plenty big enough to accomodate the occasional orphaned file with absolutely no adverse affects on system performance or anything else. On the other hand, messing around with system files and files in program folders that you merely suspect are no longer necessary courts disaster in the pursuit of no tangible benefit. I see so many problems with operating systems, programs and firewalls reported on these forums that are the result of unknowledgable users making unnecessary adjustments to things that were working perfectly, that I just shake my head. Some people who wouldn't think of messing with their car's engine or fixing a leaky (let alone unbroken) faucet on their own seem to have no qualms about changing things on their PCs just to change them.

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:13:31 GMT

@ Calls

Remember the problems you had updating/installing Java 6_22 to 6_23.

Well, just so I could report back to you. I just used JavaRa to update Java 6_22 to 6_23.

(6_23 has no security fixes...so, I had no real need to update)

I ran JavaRa to remove the remnants left over from 6_21.

Then I ran JavaRa to update 6_22 to 6_23.

(watching for Ask toolbar to untic)

I then ran JavaRa to remove the Java dowlnoader and other bits that are no longer needed once at 6_23.

You have to know which boxes to check....so, best you don't use tools you're not familiar with.

Your multi-page Topic ~ updating issues w Java 6_23 had one brief message from a user. Suggesting you google JavaRa.

JavaRa is a tool just like the Norton Removal Tool. Sometimes a clean uninstall yields a clean install.

Cheers

JavaRa for Win7

Re: These files safe to delete?

Calls — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 06:34:37 GMT

Well my original concern had to do with these .log files

jupdate-1.6.0_2-b06

jupdate-1.6.0_3-b05

jupdate-1.6.0_5-b13

jupdate-1.6.0_7-b06

jupdate-1.6.0_13-b03

jupdate-1.6.0_15-b03

and

1. Were they a danger to be on my computer, as in could/would they interfere with future Java Downloads?

2. Why there were only a few of them and not one for every Java update?

3. Why is there not one for Java 6 Update 23?

but mostly concerned that they are not some type of security risk/vulnerability if the REMAIN (as in me NOT deleting them) on my computer

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 06:52:57 GMT

Hi Calls

Respectfully, just my $.02... the answers to your questions may/will be found here.

My most valued tool after Norton is Secunia.

There is a learning curve as with any tool & along with visiting the Secunia Forum for guidance...

you will be well served and IMO it's well worth your effort.

Spend some time at Secunia site and Secunia Forums.

Peace be upon you

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:28:54 GMT

Calls wrote:
Well my original concern had to do with these .log files
jupdate-1.6.0_2-b06
jupdate-1.6.0_3-b05
jupdate-1.6.0_5-b13
jupdate-1.6.0_7-b06
jupdate-1.6.0_13-b03
jupdate-1.6.0_15-b03

If as you report these are log files. They are (are they) txt files and as such may be open/read with Notepad.
Read the contents... probably reporting/logging an event. Based on the numbers...old events.
For example >
Java 6 Update 15 (build 1.6.0_15-b03)
The full internal version number for this update release is 1.6.0_13-b03 (where "b" means "build"). The external version number is 6u13.

Why would anyone pick at their directory when there are free tools available. Secunia has more awards than I can count and Secunia is where I leaned about JavaRa.

Re: These files safe to delete?

AllenM — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:39:32 GMT

Calls wrote:
Well my original concern had to do with these .log files
jupdate-1.6.0_2-b06
jupdate-1.6.0_3-b05
jupdate-1.6.0_5-b13
jupdate-1.6.0_7-b06
jupdate-1.6.0_13-b03
jupdate-1.6.0_15-b03
and
1. Were they a danger to be on my computer, as in could/would they interfere with future Java Downloads?

2. Why there were only a few of them and not one for every Java update?

3. Why is there not one for Java 6 Update 23?

but mostly concerned that they are not some type of security risk/vulnerability if the REMAIN (as in me NOT deleting them) on my computer

Hi Calls,

In another thread you had mentioned that you unintalled JAVA and then had second thoughts and you ended up reinstaling the latest version of JAVA.

bjm_ has given you the name of a cleanup tool for JAVA which you could look into and if you are comfortable using it, perhaps it might clean up these old log files.

But the bottom line is this: if the old versions of JAVA (which created these log files in the first place) is NO longer installed on your computer then these log files are harmless! They are text files, they cannot do you any harm!

You should either use the clean up tools bjm_ mentioned if you want to safely clean up this "clutter" or let it go and don't worry about a bunch of text files! :smileywink:

Have you double checked control panel to verify if the old versions of JAVA are gone?

I have these left over log files myself even though the versions of JAVA they go with have long since been removed. Again they are harmless.

Best wishes.

Allen

Re: These files safe to delete?

bjm_ — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:42:57 GMT

@ Calls et al

My absolute last sales pitch to you for Secunia or JavaRa.

Secunia PSI will point you to anything Java that is insecure / out of date / vulnerable / vendor patch available / not available. PSI v 2.0 is new. I'm still running v 1.5.0.2 ... Secunia servers have been busy. I'll wait for the dust to settle.

If your hesitant to install a new app. Try Secunia OSI ~ Online Software Inspector. Use the Secunia OSI to get a feel for the Secunia Software Inspector technology, then upgrade to the Secunia PSI which covers practically all programs on your PC, whereas the OSI checks less than 100 programs.

My Java Log Folder is empty.

Top Freeware product voting for 2010

Comments are solely mine and as such I am solely responsible.

Safe surfing and have a malware free day.

Re: These files safe to delete?

Calls — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:30:53 GMT

Thanks Allen and BJM

I am more curious than worried

@Allen

I do not have any older versions of Java showing in my

(Start>Settings>control panle> Programs>Programs and Features)

other than Java 6 Update 23

So I won't mess with these and leave them alone.

I had only thought that since they were older, they might interfere with installation of newer Java version such as 6 Update 23

One question though, Allen. Do you have a log file for Java 6 Update 23?

I do not

Did you update to 6 update 23 via the Java update function?

I did not, I did a complete new installation of Java

Could that be the reason that I do not have th log file for 6 Update 23?

Does that really matter?

Mods may want to move this to tech outpost as it really is not a Norton issue as I originally was concerned about

Re: These files safe to delete?

AllenM — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:37:16 GMT

Calls wrote:

One question though, Allen. Do you have a log file for Java 6 Update 23?
I do not
Did you update to 6 update 23 via the Java update function?
I did not, I did a complete new installation of Java
Could that be the reason that I do not have th log file for 6 Update 23?
Does that really matter?

Mods may want to move this to tech outpost as it really is not a Norton issue as I originally was concerned about

HI Calls,

I've been innundated with things to take care of and have not yet taken update 23. It was only released two weeks ago. :smileywink:

But no you don't need to worry about any of this and it does not matter that you can't find or don't have the log file for update 23. All that matters is that JAVA installed and is working correctly.

Best wishes.

Allen