After uninstalling Java, how do I remove its listing in the Windows ?

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After uninstalling Java, how do I remove its listing in the Windows?

This article applies to:

Platform(s): Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
Java version(s): 6.0

SYMPTOMS

After Java is uninstalled, Java icon is still visible in the Windows Control Panel
For Windows XP: Add or Remove Programs
For Windows 7: Uninstall programs

CAUSE

The Java uninstaller fails to delete registry entries from the Windows registry during the process of uninstalling Java. Since these registry keys are not removed from the Windows registry, the Java icon is still visible in the Windows Control Panel.

SOLUTION

If the Java uninstall process fails to complete then user can manually delete registry entries associated with the Java version from the Windows Registry Editor.

alert icon

Incorrectly editing your registry may severely damage your system. At the very least, you should back up any valued data from your computer before making changes to the registry.
You can use the File->Export functionality of the registry editor to save the registry key before deleting. Then, in case you deleted the wrong registry key, you can restore the registry from your saved backup file, by using the strong>File->Import functionality in the Windows Registry Editor.

Steps to Edit/Delete Java registry entries through Registry Editor

Run the Windows Registry Editor by clicking Start->Run and entering the program name regedit in the Open edit field.
Navigate to the following registry node:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/ Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall
Under this Uninstall node, you will find many registry entry names enclosed in curly braces. e.g. {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216013FB}
Click on each registry entries in the left pane and that will display its associated data on right pane of Registry Editor.
or
Click on Edit->Find tab in Registry Editor window and then enter Java version that you want to find Keys for
For example: serching for Java(TM) 6 Update 24 finds this:

Delete the registry entry found for Java, by right clicking on the registry key name, and selecting Delete.
Click Yes on the Confirm Key Delete message box.
After you finish above steps, go back to the Windows Control Panel
For Windows XP: Add or Remove Programs
For Windows 7: Uninstall programs
The entry for Java should no longer appear.