Java is a computer programming language providing a common platform for application development. Java is, as of 2012 one of the most popular programming language in use, particularly for client-server web applications.

Java is free open source software provided by Oracle Corporation. As the software is developed, and features (ie: productivity and security) are added, new version releases are created and made available for installation. It is not possible for Oracle to perform compatibility tests for every application that relies on Java. This is reflected in the Terms and Conditions statement everyone must accept before Java can be installed.

Java 7, update 51 was released to address a large number of security flaws identified in a previous release. Many applications Lakehead employees access may have actually recommended or made upgrading to this new version mandatory. Those that did perform this update likely lost the ability to connect to the University’s ERP system (Datatel).

The latest Datatel Web User Interface (webui) currently being used is version 4.1 and although upgrading to the current version (webui 4.4) would address this problem, to do so would break the integration links between the main ERP system (Datatel) and Benefactor. Benefactor is the fund-raising application used by External Relations. Although a project has been initiated to migrate Benefactor to Colleague Advancement (the currently supported application), the completion of this project is many months from now.

It is recognized that several users may have been forced to move to Java 7, update 51, to access another application, all of these users find themselves in a difficult position.

Those that are not bound to update to Java 7, update 51 but need access to the ERP system should not accept this update option. Those that do need ERP access but have already installed Java 7 update 51can refer to the following instructions for information to uninstall this version and replace it with a tested version.

TSC will be meeting to further evaluate the situation and will forward its recommendation to senior management for approval.

DataTel/java conflict

Symptoms:
You are unable to log into or run webui after updating java to the latest version 7.51.

Workaround:
Remove the updated java and install java 7.45.

Java Removal Instructions - Windows

Windows 8 - Uninstall Programs

1. Right-click on the screen at bottom-left corner and choose the Control Panel from the pop-up menu.
2. When the Control Panel appears, choose Uninstall a Program from the Programs category.
3. Select the program to uninstall and then click its Uninstall button.
4. Click Yes to confirm the program uninstall.

Windows 7 and Vista - Uninstall Programs

1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select Programs
4. Click Programs and Features
5. Select the program you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Uninstall button.
You may need administrator privileges to remove programs.

Windows XP - Uninstall Programs

1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Click the Add/Remove Programs control panel icon
4. The Add/Remove control panel displays a list of software on your system, including any Java software products that are on your computer. Select any that you want to uninstall by clicking on it, and then click the Remove button.

Java Removal Instructions - OSX

Uninstall Oracle Java 7:
Uninstalling Oracle Java only involves deleting the Java Plugin file JavaAppletPlugin.plugin.

Note: To uninstall Java 7, you must have Administrator privileges.
1. Click on the Finder icon located in your dock
2. Click on Applications tab on the sidebar
3. In the Search box enter JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
4. This will find the JavaAppletPlugin.plugin file
5. Right click on JavaAppletPlugin.plugin and select Move to Trash

Java 7.45 Installation

Windows

1. Log into kbox.lakeheadu.ca with your lakehead credentials (same as myinfo)
2. Click in the “Software Library tab”
3. Select your java package
4. Java Windows 32bit 7.45 Downgrade – for all versions of Windows
5. Download the file
6. Close all your web browsers
7. Double click on the file and follow the installer instructions.

OSX

1. Log into kbox.lakeheadu.ca with your lakehead credentials (same as myinfo)
2. Click in the “Software Library tab”
3. Select your java package
4. Java OSX 64 bit 7.45 Downgrade – for OSX 10.7+
5. Download the file
6. Close all your web browsers
7. Double click on the file and follow the installer instructions.