Registry cleanup after failed Java uninstall

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How do I cleanup the registry after a failed Java uninstall?

This article applies to:

Platform(s): Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP

Sometimes attempts to uninstall specific versions of Java through the Windows Add/Remove program, leave behind some Java entries in the registry that are not fully removed. These left behind registry entries can cause problems in installing a new version of Java.

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Incorrectly altering the registry can lead to real problems with your computer, so make sure that you have it backed up (here are instructions on how to backup the registry)

Steps to Manually editing the registry

Go to Start and then Run
Type in regedit in the edit field
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall
Under this Uninstall folder you will find many registry entries within curly brackets.
Click on Edit tab and then Find
Note: Highlight Uninstall folder before performing search for particular registry.
Enter version string as value to find corresponding registry entry to be deleted.
Once you find registry key, highlight that key and then Right click on it and choose Delete
Confirm the delete and click Yes

Steps for finding registry keys for any version of Java 6

Follow format 6.0.xxx
where xxx can be 100, 120, 130, 140 and so on.
for example:

Type 6.0.100 in search field, finds registry key for Java6 update 10
Type 6.0.120 in search field, finds registry key for Java6 update 12
Type 6.0.180 in search field, finds registry key for Java6 update 18

Steps for finding registry keys for any version of Java 1.5

Follow format 1.5.0.xxx
where xxx can be 100, 120, 130, 140 and so on.
for example:

Type 1.5.0.100 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.5.0_01
Type 1.5.0.120 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.5.0_12
Type 1.5.0.180 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.5.0_18

Steps for finding registry keys for any version of Java 1.4

Follow format 1.4.2_xxx
where xxx can be 01, 12, 13, 14 and so on.
for example:

Type 1.4.2_01 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.4.0_01
Type 1.4.2_12 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.4.0_12
Type 1.4.2_18 in search field, finds registry key for jre1.4.0_18

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