What is the best / most effective way of removing old versions of flash / java ?

[Encrypted Existence]

Hello all. In case anyone is wondering I am the technician formerly know as trustid eye tea solutions . As part of my malware removal / tune-up process I update flash and java to the latest versions. I am aware of the importance of first removing any older versions of both before updating. I am currently using the removal instructions on Adobe's and Oracle's website to remove older versions. I am hoping there is a better way, as these methods have proven ineffective. What is the best and most effective way that you have found to get rid of older versions of flash and java? I am currently in the early stages of becoming familiar with D7 (again) so I'm hoping someone will just chime in and give it the ole "D7 does this", lol. Thanks.

 

['putertutor]

I use Revo and it has always done well for me. It is included in d7.

 

[SpaceSquad]

I use revo as well - have not had a problem so far.

 

[BillMoney]

I prefer geek unistaller, dead simple & extremely lightweight (under 1mb I think)

Also check out JavaRa for Removing java - http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/

Adobe also has a flash player removal tool - http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html

 

['putertutor]

I've been playing around with Geek Uninstaller for the last week or so. I like it and I will be adding it to my official toolbox.

 

[NETWizz]

I use a java uninstall script... it works awesome!

 

[HFultzjr]

Revo - Note....the free version will only work with 32 bit Java. Maybe try Geek Uninstaller for 64 bit.

Java RA

Manual deletions of folders/files/left over

Re-boot

 

[cypress]

I will be downloading these tools as well and adding them to my list. Thank you very much!

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Add/remove programs (Programs and Features as it's called now).....for old versions.

As you probably know, Java's current installers will uninstall/remove "same generation" prior installs. Such as, current Java 7.40 will uninstall instances of 7.30, 7.25, 7.12, whatever...but it will not uninstall old instances such as 6.14, or 5.xx, 2, etc.

For Java 6.10 or higher Java has their own tool
http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/uninstaller_toolinfo.xml

JavRA.....I've had mixed success with, ultimately I find it works less often than it does so I really don't pull it out anymore. Used to use it to try to uninstall corrupted installs that the Windows installer can't yank.

Luckily with Adobes stuff...current installs also now uninstall prior existing instances.....so no need to worry about their product anymore.

So yeah..I just eyeball add/remove for old instances of Java now..if so, remove them there. If they're corrupted and won't uninstall I'll use Revo or Javas own removal tool.

 

[SilverLeaf]

Add/remove programs (Programs and Features as it's called now).....for old versions.

As you probably know, Java's current installers will uninstall/remove "same generation" prior installs. Such as, current Java 7.40 will uninstall instances of 7.30, 7.25, 7.12, whatever...but it will not uninstall old instances such as 6.14, or 5.xx, 2, etc.

.....snip......

This^^^

For virus removals and tune-ups, one of the first things I do after checking the hardware is to go to the Control Panel and remove old versions of Flash, Reader, and Java...along with all the various useless toolbars and other crapware. After I'm finished with everything, I'll install the latest Adobe products, and in most cases, I do not re-install Java.

 

[BillMoney]

Also don't forget to uninstall the Java "applet" aka the source of most moneypak viruses that I have seen

 

[dbdawn]

This script works for Java.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

Thanks for the replies. Good stuff. I currently use Revo and will def give Geek Uninstaller a look. Also, I did not know that Flash uninstalled older versions before updating. Does that stand true for Adobe Reader as well? Lastly, is it necessary for me to go manually deleting files and folders after using Revo or Geek Uninstaller to remove older versions? Thanks again.

 

[cypress]

I was actually using PatchMyPC to updated the flash and Java programs. Is that still ok or just better off un-installing and re-installing?